What Do Tire Numbers Mean?

You’ve probably noticed all the numbers printed on the outside of your tires. The service team at Triple J Saipan often gets asked, “What do tire numbers mean?” Tire numbers indicate the size and type of tire and its performance purpose. If you’re in need of new tires for your Saipan drives and need to know which ones to buy, or if you’re simply curious what the numbers on tires mean, keep reading this handy guide to tire number meaning from Triple J Saipan.

Determining Tire Number Meaning

So, what do the numbers on tires mean exactly? A tire’s code is a series of letters and numbers that indicate the tire size, load index, speed rating, and kind of tire your vehicle needs for top performance on Dandan roads. Below we explain an example: P215/65R15 95H

It may look like gibberish, but each section of code represents information that identifies the tire type and size.

Decoding “P”

The “P” means “P-Metric tire,” which means that it is for passenger vehicles. “LT” stands for “light truck,” which obviously means the tire is for lightweight pickup trucks. If your tire doesn’t have a letter preceding the tire code, it’s a European style or Euro-Metric tire with different load capacities.

Decoding “215”

Following the “P” is the number “215” number, which represents tire width in millimeters from one sidewall to the other. In our example, the width of the tire is 215 millimeters.

Decoding “65”

After the forward slash is the aspect ratio code. In our example, it is the number “65.” A tire’s aspect ratio is the height of the tire’s cross-section to its width, so it has an aspect ratio with a height equal to 65% of the tire’s width. The larger the aspect ratio, the bigger the sidewalls on your tire.

Decoding “R”

The “R” represents the tire’s construction, and the “R” means that it’s a radial.

Decoding “15”

The number “15” shows the wheel size from one end to the other. It tells us what tire can fit on this particular wheel. Our code example means that this tire is for a 15-inch wheel.

Decoding “95H”

At the end of our example code is “95H,” representing this tire’s load index and speed rating. The load index indicates how much weight the tire supports when properly inflated. It can range from 75-105 for most passenger vehicles. The letter “H” represents the speed rating or how fast the tire can safely travel based on its load capacity. This rating is ranked from A-Z; with our example, a tire with an “H” rating can reach a maximum speed of 130 mph.

How to Check Your Tire Pressure

Regardless of tire size, one of the best ways to keep them in good shape on Koblerville streets is to ensure they are correctly inflated. Routinely checking your car’s tire pressure is easy. Many new vehicles include a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). If your tires are over or under-inflated, you’ll get a notification from the TPMS. Then, take your car to the nearest %%target_coity_3%% gas station to properly inflate your tires, or ask the service center at Triple J Saipan to do it during your next service appointment.

Trust Triple J Saipan for All Your Auto Service Needs

If you need new tires, an oil change, a brake inspection, or your battery checked, turn to the certified service technicians at Triple J Saipan. You might want to check our service and parts specials to see if you can save some money. Then, let us know how we may be of service today! We’re here to help!