What Do Tire Numbers Mean?

Have you been wondering about the meaning behind tire numbers? When shopping for a new set of tires, it’s essential that you get the right replacements. That’s why it’s important to understand tire number meaning! So, what do tire numbers mean? Learn more with our experts at the Scott Evans Nissan Service Center to find out!

Tire Number Meaning

What do the numbers on tires mean? The series of numbers (and letters) seen on your sidewall reflect your tire code. More specifically, the letters and numbers represent size, load index, speed rating, and type of tire needed for your vehicle. Learn about your tire number meaning in the example below.

P215/65R15 95H
This may appear as gibberish, but tire code meaning can be derived from this string of numbers and letters.

Decoding “P”
Starting off the code is a letter. In this instance, P stands for “P-Metric tire,” which indicates that the tires are meant for passenger vehicles. A huge majority of models use P code tires. Otherwise, LT stands for “light truck,” as another example, meaning the tires are used for light-weight pickup trucks. If you notice there is no letter preceding the code, then it is a European-style tire, or Euro-Metric tire, which bears different load capacities.

Decoding “215”
After the “P,” you see “215,” which represents the tire width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall. So, in this example, the tire width is 215 millimeters.

Decoding “65”
The aspect ratio code comes next, which is the height of the tire’s cross-section to its width and is “65” in this example. Simply put, the example tire has an aspect ratio where its height equals 65% of the tire’s width.

Decoding “R”
Next up, the “R” indicates the tire’s construction, and “R” means radial. Essentially all modern tires use radial construction.

Decoding “15”
The following number represents wheel size from one end to the other, so “15” lets us know the tire is meant for a 15-inch wheel.

Decoding “95H”
The final set of numbers and letters, which is “95H” in this example, stands for the tire’s load index and speed rating. The load index of “95” here reveals how much weight the tire can support when properly inflated, while the speed rating of “H” represents how fast the tire can safely rotate. The speed rating is ranked from A to Z, and a tire with an “H” rating reaches a maximum speed of 130 mph.

Rely on Scott Evans Nissan For Tire Service

Male Scott Evans Nissan your go-to source in the Carrollton area for all your tire maintenance and repairs. Contact our team today if you have any questions, and make sure to check out our service coupons before you visit to save on tire repair or replacement.