What Do Tire Numbers Mean?
Have you bought new tires for your car in Merriam, KS and noticed a string of numbers printed on your tires? What do tire numbers mean? They aren’t just random hieroglyphics. Put simply, tire numbers (and letters) indicate what size and type of tire it is, as well as the performance it’s capable of. To figure out tire number meaning, the service department at Porsche Kansas City has put together this simple guide.
Determining Tire Number Meaning
So, what do tire numbers mean? The tire’s code uses numbers and letters to inform you of the following on the tire:
- The size
- The load index
- The speed rating
- Type of tire needed for maximum performance in Wichita, KS
To fully answer ‘What do the numbers on tires mean?’, let’s use an example code:
Tire Number: P215/65R15 95 H
What do the numbers on tires mean? Let’s decode to establish the tire number meaning:
“215”
After the “P” (which informs that it’s for passenger vehicles) comes this number, which represents the tire width in millimeters measured from sidewall to sidewall. The width of this tire is 215 millimeters accordingly.
“65”
A forward slash brings us to the aspect ratio code, here indicated by the number “65”. What does this tire number mean? The tire ratio is the height of the tire’s cross-section in relation to its width, or this tire has an aspect ratio where the height is equal to 65% of the tire’s width.
“15”
The R before this stands for its tire construction, in this case, a radial. This numeral is the wheel’s size measured from one end to the other. The measurement is approximately 15 inches.
“95H”
Finally, we get to “95H”, or the load index and speed rating for the tire. The “95” is how much weight the tire can support. The letter “H” indicates the speed rating, which shows how fast the tire can perform without danger based on the load capacity.
Get Fitted with New Tires at Porsche Kansas City!
What do tire numbers mean? Hopefully, that’s a question you now know the answer to! Keep up to date with your tires when you visit Porsche Kansas City’s Merriam dealership. Regular tire rotations can help with performance and fuel economy around St. Louis, MO. Be sure to ask about our dealership-exclusive service specials designed to save you money.