What Do the Numbers on Tires Mean?

If you’ve ever checked your tires or had to order new ones from a North Haven tire shop, you’ve seen the combination of letters and numbers on their sidewalls. You might ask, “What do these tire numbers mean?” This code indicates the size and tire type it is and its particular performance purpose. In the following overview, Executive Dodge Jeep RAM explores more about tire number meanings in greater detail. Learn more and explore our service specials to save on your next appointment in Wallingford!

Determining Tire Number Meanings

What do tire numbers mean? A tire’s code uses numbers and letters to inform you or your Hamden-area service center of the size, load index, speed rating, and tire type your vehicle needs for maximum performance. Let’s use the following code to explore what the numbers on tires mean:

Example: P215/65R15 95H

While this might seem like gibberish, each code section represents information pieces to identify the type of tire it is.

Decoding “P”

The “P” stands for “P-Metric tire,” meaning it’s used on passenger vehicles. When your tires read “LT,” this stands for “light truck,” and the tire is intended for light-weight pickup trucks. If the tire doesn’t have a letter preceding the code, it’s a European-style tire, aka Euro-Metric option, featuring 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”

Following 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 construction, with “R” representing its radial.

Decoding “15”

“15” indicates the wheel size from one end to the other, which tells us which tire can fit on this particular wheel. When decoding tire number meanings, this code informs us that it’s meant for a 15-inch wheel.

Decoding “95H”

At the end of your code is “95H,” which is your tire’s speed rating and load index. The load index (“95” in this instance) indicates how much weight the tire supports when 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 by various letters. In our example, a tire with an “H” rating can reach a maximum speed of 130 mph.

How to Check Tire Pressure

After learning what tire numbers mean, it’s always important to remember how to keep your tires operating at all times. No matter the size of your vehicle’s tires, one of the best ways to keep them at peak performance on Meriden roads is by keeping them properly inflated. Checking your vehicle’s tire pressure is easy and quick, as most newer models have a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). If your vehicle’s tires are under or over-inflated, you’ll receive a notification from the TPMS. You can bring your car to a gas station to top off the air in your tires, or we’ll do it for you when you come in for a service visit!

Turn to Executive Dodge Jeep RAM for Your Maintenance Needs

Now that you have a better understanding of what the numbers on tires mean, if it’s time to bring your vehicle in for service, turn to our Wallingford team. At Executive Dodge Jeep RAM, our certified technicians are here to keep your model running for years. If you have worn-out pieces, take advantage of these parts specials to save on replacements. Turn to the North Haven service center at Executive Dodge Jeep RAM for all your needs!