What Do Tire Numbers Mean?

If you take a good look at your tires, you’ll notice a set of numbers and letters imprinted on the rubber. What do the tire numbers mean? Every symbol represents a piece of information about your tire, ranging from its size to its performance purpose. If you can understand your tire number meaning, you can find out exactly what you need at the tire center when it comes time for a replacement set. Dive deeper into the world of tire number meaning with Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Buick GMC Richmond, and stop by when you’re in the Henrico area!

Tire Number Meaning

What do the numbers on tires mean? While you can ask our service department for a quick translation, you can also uncover the meaning right in your garage in Glen Allen. Let’s take a look at the example of: P215/65R15 95H.

• P: This stands for “P-Metric Tire,” or a tire meant for passenger vehicles. An LT would indicate a light truck. If there is no letter, you have a European or Euro-Metric tire.
• 215:This is the tire width in millimeters from one sidewall to the other, or 215 millimeters in this case. 
• 65: This is the aspect ratio code, or the ratio of the height to the cross-section of its width. This tire has a height equal to 65% of the tire’s width, which helps you determine the thickness of the sidewall.
• R: This indicates the tire’s construction. This is a radial tire.
• 15: This tells you what size tire can fit on the wheel. This is a tire for a 15-inch wheel.
• 95H: This is both the load index and speed rating. The 95 tells the load index, which ranges from 75-105, and it tells you how much weight the tire can support. H is the speed rating, which is rated from A to Z. This tire has an H rating, so it can reach up to 130 mph.

Checking Tire Pressure

No matter what type of tire you have in Goochland, proper maintenance can greatly improve the lifespan and the safety of your set. One of the easiest ways to keep your tires in great shape is to check the tire pressure regularly. Most new vehicles will have the manufacturer-recommended tire pressure either in the owner’s manual or inside the driver’s side door jamb. For most passenger tires, the recommended tire pressure is generally between 32 and 35 PSI. Your vehicle may have a Tire Pressure Monitoring System built in it, but if it doesn’t, feel free to stop by our parts department to peruse our manual tire pressure gauges.

Find Out More with Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Buick GMC Richmond

Whether you need to pick up a new set of tires or just a pressure gauge, the team at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Buick GMC Richmond would be happy to help you with all your automotive needs. Contact us today for more information about our services, or visit our dealership in Richmond.