What Do the Numbers On Tires Mean?

When you’re filling a low tire or ordering new tires from your Lawrenceville-area parts center, you might have noticed a combination of numbers and letters on the tire sidewalls. You’ve probably been wondering, “what do tire numbers mean?” Typically, these numbers are used to indicate the size and type of tire, as well as the specific performance purpose. Whether you’re searching for new tires or simply want to know what the numbers on tires mean, the team at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Duluth is here to teach you with this helpful guide. Learn more about what tire numbers mean, and easily find the right fit with our Tire Finder.

Tire Number Meaning Explained

When Suwanee drivers have a tire service completed at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Duluth, technicians use the tire number meaning to find the size, load index, speed rating, and type of tire Chevrolet models need for optimum performance.

Let’s break down tire number meanings using an example code: P215/65R15 95H

While this code may seem nonsensical, each part of the tire code points to finding the correct tire for the vehicle.

What do tire numbers mean? The first part of the code, “P,” stands for “P-Metric tire” and shows that it is a tire meant for passenger vehicles. When a tire reads “LT,” this shows that it is meant for a “light truck,” or light-weight pickup trucks. Typically, when the tire doesn’t have a letter at the beginning of the code, it means it’s a European style tire, or Euro-Metric tire, that has different load capacities.

What the first set of tire numbers mean is that the tire width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall is “215” millimeters.

After the forward slash, the second set of numbers on the tires point to the aspect ratio code, which consists of the height of the tire’s cross-section to its width. In this example, “65” indicates the tire has an aspect ratio where its height is equal to 65% of the tire’s width. A larger aspect ratio means that the sidewalls will be bigger.

The “R” represents the tire’s construction. In this case, “R” shows that it’s a radial.

Following the construction type is the tire number that indicates the wheel size end-to-end, and lets the Johns Creek-area parts center find the tire that fits the vehicle’s wheel. The “15” in this example code indicates the tire is meant for a 15-inch wheel.

What this last set of code, “95H,” indicates is the load index and speed rating for the tire. The load index of this example is “95” and shows how much weight the tire is able to support when properly inflated. For passenger vehicles, this can be from 75 to 105. The “H” indicates how fast the tire can safely go based on the load capacity. The speed rating is listed from A to Z, and, with this example, a tire with an “H” rating can reach a top speed of 130 mph.

Learn About Tire Care with Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Duluth!

What do the numbers on your tire mean? Compare our example to your vehicle for assistance. Looking for more information about your tires? Learn about the meaning of TPMS, and stay on top of your tire health by knowing the importance of properly inflating your tires. If you have any questions along the way, contact our team at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Duluth.