Part of regular car maintenance includes checking on your tires once a week to make sure they are inflated properly and look good. Have you ever wondered, “What do tire numbers mean?” Those are the series of letters and numbers that appear on the sidewall of your tires.
In general, the tire number meaning indicates the size and type of tire it is and its specific purpose. It gives our service team in Regina a way to make sure your vehicle is getting the exact type of tire it needs for optimum performance on Moose Jaw roads.
Do you need new tires? Want to determine which ones to get? Simply wondering, “What do the numbers on tires mean?” Our tire experts at Capital Lincoln can show you the method behind the tire number meaning with our guide.
Determining Tire Number Meaning for Your Vehicle
When you bring your vehicle into our service centre in Regina, the tire number meaning shows the size, load index, speed rating, and type of tire your vehicle needs for maximum performance. It’s a quick and easy way to cross-reference the information in our database versus what’s on your vehicle to make sure we install the right tires.
Take this code for example:
What Do the Tire Numbers Mean: Example of P215/65R15 95H
This series of letters and numbers might not seem like much. But it shows people exactly what tires should fit on your vehicle’s wheels.
What Do Tire Numbers Mean: Explaining the “P”
The “P” stands for “P-Metric tire.” That means it’s meant for passenger vehicles. If your tires say “LT,” this stands for “light truck” like a pickup truck for tasks in Estevan. If the tire does not have a letter preceding the code, it’s a tire designed for European cars and has different load capacities compared to cars in North America.
What Do the Numbers on Tires Mean: Decoding “215”
Following the “P” is the “215” number, which stands for tire width in millimetres from sidewall to sidewall. So in our example, the width of this tire is 215 millimetres, or 21.5 centimetres. The larger the number, the wider the tires.
What Do Tire Numbers Mean: Explaining the “65”
Next up on our list is the aspect ratio code, indicated in our example by “65.” This number compares the height of the tire’s cross-section versus its width. So, 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. Since the tire’s width is 215 millimetres, the height of the sidewall is 140 millimetres.
What Do the Numbers on Tires Mean: Decoding “R”
The “R” indicates the tire’s construction, with “R” representing that it’s a radial. This shows you how the steel components are laid out in the tire. Each tire has steel inside it to maintain its shape when traveling in Swift Current and beyond. The other two types are B or D, which stands for Belt or Diagonal, respectively.
What Do Tire Numbers Mean: Explaining “15”
The number “15” indicates the size of the wheel from one side to the other. This number shows us that the wheel size for this tire is 15 inches. Passenger vehicles typically have wheels from 15 inches up to 21 inches. Lincoln SUVs will lean toward the larger sizes of tires.
What Do the Numbers on Tires Mean: Decoding “95H”
At the end of the code is “95H,” which combines the load index and speed rating. The load index of 95 shows how much weight the individual tire can support when it’s properly inflated. Load index numbers range from 75 to 105 for passenger vehicles. The letter “H” represents the speed rating, or how the top speed the tire can handle. In our example, a tire with an “H” rating can reach a maximum speed of 209 kph.
How to Check Your Tires & Tire Pressure
We encourage you to check your tires once a week to make sure they are properly inflated. A visual inspection when you’re getting gas is fine. Then, once a month, check the tire pressure with a tire pressure tester. These are just a few dollars at your local auto parts store. Simply press the tire pressure gauge against the tire stem and take a quick reading. You can find your vehicle’s proper tire pressure in your owner’s manual or along the permanently affixed label along the driver’s side door frame.
Car Maintenance, Repairs & Tires at Capital Lincoln
Is your vehicle ready for its next maintenance? Do you need tire repair or a new set of tires? Contact us, call 306-205-2916, or schedule a service appointment with our team. Make sure to look over our service specials to see how much money you might save on your next car maintenance.
