What Do Tire Numbers Mean?

If you’ve ever purchased new tires or crouched down to put air in your tires, you may have wondered about the tire number meaning on your tires’ sidewall. What do the numbers on tires mean? While it may look like random nonsense, the numbers are actually a specific code indicating the size, type, and performance purpose of that tire. Read on below to learn more about what tire numbers mean.

What Do Tire Numbers Mean: Decoding

Boulder drivers will notice the tire code is a sequence of letters and numbers. This tire number meaning actually denotes the tire’s size, load index, speed rating, and type. Fortunately, that means a Fisher Acura service center technician can read the number and properly find and order your new tires. What do the numbers on tires mean? Find out by learning to interpret the example sequence below:

P215/65R15 95H

• The Service Description: The first character is the service description, indicating the tire’s main function. In this case, the “P” stands for “P-Metric tire,” meaning passenger tires for vehicles like your new Acura TLX. A service description may also read “LT,” for light truck, “ST” for special trailer, or “T,” for a temporary spare. If there is no service description, it may be a European tire.
• Tire Width: In this example, “215” is the tire width. This measurement is wall to wall in millimeters.
• Aspect Ratio: Next comes the aspect ratio. In this example, it is “65.” This is the percentage or ratio of the tire’s cross-sectional height to its width. A bigger aspect ratio means larger sidewalls.
• Internal Construction: Represented by the “R” in our example, this means radial internal construction. Radial construction is now the industry standard and is most common on all tires in Golden and beyond.
• Rim Diameter: In inches, this number (“15” in our example code) means the wheel for which this tire was sized.
• Load Index: Next, the “95,” in the example is the load index. This communicates how much weight the tire can bear when properly inflated.
• Speed Rating: Finally, the “H” in our example is the speed rating. This indicates how fast the tire can safely go on Fort Collins roads related to its load capacity. This is alphabetical, ranging from A-Z.

Learn More About Your Tires at Fisher Acura

With a better understanding of the answer to “what do tire numbers mean,” are you ready for new tires? Here at Fisher Acura, we are happy to connect you with our Acura Tire Shop to get you the tires you need based on your tire number meaning. For more car-care tips, contact us today. We’re always happy to help our Thornton neighbors.