Tire Measurements Explained: What Tire Numbers Really Mean
When looking at your car’s tires, you will see different numbers and letters on the side. These may look confusing, but they hold value. They show you the tire’s size, location, speed, and load they were made to handle. Knowing these numbers is helpful when choosing the best tires, driving safely, and doing maintenance on your car. In this guide, we’ll describe what those numbers mean in plain and simple language.
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Explaining Load Index and Speed Rating
There are two necessary tire markings, which include the load index and the speed rating. These have a direct bearing on safety and performance.
A load index is presented as a number, e.g., 91, 95, or 104. The numbers are associated with maximum weight loads. Such as the load index of 95 represents the ability of the tire to bear about 1,520 pounds. By multiplying that by four, the maximum total weight any vehicle can carry on its tires is obtained. Using tires with an inappropriately low load index may overload tires and cause failure.
The speed rating will be denoted with a letter, for example, T, H, V, or W. Every letter is matched with a maximum safe speed. An example is that 118 mph is denoted by T, whereas 130 mph can be denoted by H.
Once these limits are reached, the tire can, in many cases, be severely overstressed; hence, the rating is considered to reflect the strength, stability, and heat resistance of the tire both at normal speeds and in moderate overloads as well.
The most important thing is to reach and/or surpass the load index and speed rating indicated by the manufacturer. Tires of a lower rating than what the vehicle manufacturer recommends may shorten the life of tires and reduce safety.
If you’re unsure about your tire’s condition, check out our blog: Top 7 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Tires
Tire Measurements Explained: What Those Numbers on Your Tires Mean (Details)
Sequences of numbers and letters on the side of every tire are much more than a decoration. These notations state the design, size, load capacity, and speed rating of the tire. The knowledge of how to interpret them enables drivers to obtain the right replacement tires and ensure the safety of the car.
The type of tire is indicated in the first letter. An example is where a tire rated as P denotes a passenger car tire, whereas a tire that has LT means light trucks. The absence of any letter designation means that it conforms to European specifications of the tire.
The following figure shows the width of tires in millimeters. A stamping including 215 indicates that the tire will be 215 millimeters in side-to-side wall. Another number that follows the width is the aspect ratio. As an example, a 65 reading indicates that 65 per cent of the width is the height of the sidewall. The lower, the shorter the sidewall, which can assist in handling but lacks in comfort.
It shows the construction type. The first letter, R, indicates that it has a radial construction, the standard in modern times. Radial tires are long-lasting, steady, and can accommodate most driving scenarios.
The figure below gives the diameter of the wheels in inches. A number marking of 15 means the tire is 15 inches. This should always be measured up to the size of the wheels.
After the rim size, you will read the load index. It is a two or three-digit number on a tire label and indicates the maximum load a tire is able to support. As an example, 95 load index = approximately 1,520 pounds.
Lastly, the speed rating is referred to by a letter. As an example, the H means that the tire is safe at speeds beyond 130 mph. Although most drivers will never experience these speeds, the rating is greater with higher speeds, which indicates the strength and resistance to heat of a tire.
Additional information can also be included on some rears, including maximum inflation pressure, mileage warranty, and even run-flat capability. These markings assist the drivers in knowing more about performance restrictions and capabilities. All this information can be taken together as the full identity card of a tire.
Want to learn how to keep your tires properly inflated for longer life and better fuel efficiency? Visit: How to Check Tire Pressure at Home like a Pro
Other Key Tire Markings You Need to Know
Besides size, load index, and speed rating, tires have other markings that are equally important for safe driving.
The DOT code ensures that the tire meets safety standards. The last four digits indicate the manufacturing date. For instance, the tire was produced in the 26th week of 2022, which can be represented by the code “2622”. Tires that are more than 6 years old are not recommended for use, even if they do not show signs of damage.
Tires also show grades of treadwear, traction, and temperature. Treadwear indicates the tire’s expected life in comparison to a standard tire; the higher the rating, the longer the life should be. Traction shows or gives grip on the wet road, which ranges from AA to C (worst). Heat build-up resistance (A to A) Resistance to heat build-up.
These designs give a full map of the quality and performance of a tire. Classifying and familiarizing themselves with them ensures that, after being read and understood, drivers make better purchasing decisions, remain safe, and perform reliably in the long run.
Stay Safe on Calgary Roads with the Right Tires
Living in Calgary? Then seasonal tires are a must. Don’t wait for the snow to fall. Switching tires at the right time helps avoid accidents and unnecessary wear.
Read: Stay Safe on Calgary Roads: The Importance of Seasonal Tires . Wondering when to swap them out? Check this guide: When To Change Winter Tires In Calgary, and if you ever find yourself stranded with a flat, we’ve got you covered: 👉 How to Fix a Flat Tire.
Conclusion
It is vital that you at least know the numbers and letters on your tires. They inform you of the size of the tire, weight capacity, speed, and type. Other markings indicate its durability, how long it would last on the road, how good it holds on the road, and the time frame it was manufactured. By inspecting and knowing this information, you can shop for the best tires, maintain the safety of the car, use less fuel, and extend the life of the tires.
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Hopefully, this guide, ‘Tire Measurements Explained: What Those Numbers on Your Tires Mean,’ has been insightful!