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If it’s time for a new set of tires for your Charlotte drives, you’ve probably noticed the complex letters and numbers listed on the side of the tire. What do tire numbers mean? The tire number meaning is an industry code indicating the size and type of tire and its performance purpose. If you’re trying to figure out which tires to purchase for your Chevy Tahoe or are simply trying to learn tire number meaning, find out here or contact our service or parts center team near Fort Mill.
In a nutshell, a tire number meaning is an industry code of letters and numbers that inform the buyer or Ballantyne service technician of essential aspects of the tire, including the following:
Below is a typical example:
It may look like gibberish, but each code section represents crucial information identifying the tire type correctly.
The “P” stands for “P-Metric tire,” which is for passenger vehicles. If the tire says “LT,” that means it’s for a “light truck.” If the tire on your new vehicle doesn’t have a letter preceding the code, it’s a European-style tire or Euro-Metric tire. They have different load capacities.
Behind the “P” is “215”, which represents the width of the tire (in millimeters) from one sidewall to the other sidewall. So in the example above, the width is 215 millimeters.
Following the forward slash is the aspect ratio, which is the height of the cross-section compared to its width. This tire has an aspect ratio of 65% of the tire’s total width. The bigger the aspect ratio, the bigger sidewalls.
The “R” is for the tire’s construction, with “R” meaning it’s a radial tire.
The “15” mean the wheel size from one end to the other and indicates what tire can fit on the wheel. This code indicates that this tire is for a 15-inch wheel.
At the end of the code is “95H,” which is the load index and speed rating. The load index indicates how much weight the tire can support when adequately inflated and ranges from 75-105 for passenger cars. “H” is the speed rating. This rating is from A-Z; with the above example, an “H” rating can safely travel up to 130 mph.
Now that we’ve answered the question, “What do the numbers on tires mean?” remember to keep your tires adequately inflated and rotated. Checking your tire pressure is quick and easy. Most new cars have a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), so if your tires are over or under-inflated, you’ll get a TPMS warning notification. Simply take your car to a gas station and top off the air in your tires, or contact the South Charlotte Chevrolet service center.
If you require new tires, brake service, or car parts and accessories, %di_name%% is your one-stop shop near Matthews! You can schedule service online and browse our service and parts specials to see if you can save some money. Contact us today and let us know how we can be of service.
