Understanding Your Tire Size: A Simple Guide

Choosing the right tires for your vehicle starts with understanding the tire size code printed on the sidewall. This series of letters and numbers provides essential details about tire width, aspect ratio, construction type, wheel diameter, load index, and speed rating. Here’s how to decode it.

Tire Type and Width

The first letter in the tire code represents the tire type:

• P – Passenger vehicle

• LT – Light truck

• T – Temporary spare

The three-digit number after the letter indicates the tire width in millimeters. It measures the distance from one sidewall to the other.

Aspect Ratio

Following the slash (/) is the aspect ratio, which represents the sidewall height as a percentage of the tire width. For example, a ratio of 60 means the sidewall height is 60% of the tire’s width.

Construction Type

The letter after the aspect ratio indicates the construction type:

• R – Radial (most common)

Wheel Diameter

The two-digit number after the construction type represents the rim diameter in inches.

Load Index

This two or three-digit number indicates how much weight the tire can support when properly inflated.

Speed Rating

The last letter represents the maximum speed the tire can handle under the recommended load. Common ratings include:

• H – Up to 130 mph (210 km/h)

• V – Up to 149 mph (240 km/h)

Example Tire Code: P215/60R16 95H

• P – Passenger vehicle

• 215 – Tire width in millimeters

• 60 – Aspect ratio (60% of width)

• R – Radial construction

• 16 – Wheel diameter in inches

• 95 – Load index

• H – Speed rating

Knowing how to read tire size codes helps you select the right replacement tires for optimal performance and safety. Always refer to your vehicle’s manual or consult a tire professional for the best fit.

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