What Do Tire Numbers Mean?

What Do Tire Numbers Mean?

If you’re checking out your tires or had to order new ones from your local Logan tire store, you’re probably wondering about the combination of tire numbers and letters on the sidewall of the tires. Which often begs the question, what do the numbers on tires mean? These are codes that indicate the size and tire of tire you currently have on your truck, as well as its particular performance purpose. When it’s time to replace your tires, follow our guide below so you know which ones to purchase.

Determining Tire Number Meanings

The tire’s code is a series of letters and numbers that inform you or your local service center of the size, load index, speed rating, and type of tire your vehicle requires for premium performance. Below is just an example:

Example: P215/65R15 95H

Each section of code represents key information to identify the type of tire it is.

Decoding “P”

The “P” stands for “P-Metric tire,” which means it’s used for passenger vehicles. If your tires read “LT,” this stands for “light truck,” and it’s meant for light-weight pickup trucks. If the tire does not have a letter preceding the code, it is a European style tire or Euro-Metric tire, and those have different load capacities.

Decoding “215”

Following the “P” is the “215” number, and this stands for tire width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall. In the above example, the width of this tire is 215 millimeters.

Decoding “65”

After the forward-slash is the aspect ratio code, which is “65” in our example. A tire’s ratio is the height of the tire’s cross-section to its width, so in our example, this tire has an aspect ratio where its height is equal to 65% of the tire’s width. The bigger the aspect ratio is, the bigger the sidewalls will be.

Decoding “R”

The “R” indicates the tire’s construction, with the “R” representing that it’s a radial.

Decoding “15”

“15” indicates the wheel size from one end to the other, informing us of what tire can fit on this particular wheel. This code tells us that this tire is meant for a 15-inch wheel.

Decoding “95H”

At the end of the code is “95H,” and this is the load index and speed rating for the tire. The load index (“95” in this instance) indicates how much weight the tire can support when it’s properly inflated, and can range from 75-to 105 for passenger vehicles. “H” is the speed rating, and this is how fast the tire can safely go based on its load capacity. This rating is ranked from A-Z, and with our example, a tire with an “H” rating can reach a maximum speed of 130 mph.

Truck Ranch is Your Source for All Your Maintenance Needs!

If you need additional service and parts tips, we have you covered at Truck Ranch. When it’s time to upgrade your ride job sites, come and check out our inventory or pre-owned pickup trucks. We’ll make sure you find the one that’s best suited for taking on your daily commute and weekend adventures. Contact us today!