What Do Tire Numbers Mean?

Determining Tire Number Meanings

A tire’s code uses a series of letters and numbers in order to inform you or your Chandler service center the size, load index, speed rating, and type of tire your vehicle needs for maximum performance. Take this code for example:

Example: P215/65R15 95H

While it may seem like gibberish, each section of code represents a piece of information to correctly identify the type of tire it is.

Decoding “P”

The “P” stands for “P-Metric tire,” meaning that it is used for passenger vehicles. If your tires read “LT,” this stands for “light truck,” and the tire is intended 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, which have different load capacities.

Decoding “215”

Following the “P” is the “215” number, which stands for tire width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall. So in our example, the width of this tire is 215 millimeters.

Decoding “65”

After the forward slash comes the aspect ratio code, indicated in our example by “65.” 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, the bigger the sidewalls will be.

Decoding “R”

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

Decoding “15”

“15” indicates the wheel size from one end to the other, which inform 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,” which 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 75-105 for passenger vehicles. “H” represents the speed rating, which 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.

How to Check Tire Pressure 

Regardless of the size of your car’s tires, one of the best ways to keep them in good health on Phoenix roads is to keep them properly inflated. Checking your vehicle’s tire pressure is quick and easy, as nowadays, most new vehicles have a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). If your vehicle’s tires are over- or underinflated, you’ll receive a notification from the TPMS. You can take your vehicle to a gas station to top-off the air in the tires, or we’ll do it for you when you come in for a service visit!

Turn to Jaguar Chandler Authorized Service for Your Tire Needs

To learn more about your car tires, to schedule service, reach out to Jaguar Chandler Authorized Service!