What Do Tire Numbers Mean?

If you’re buying new tires from a Brandon tire shop, or checked your tires, you’ve probably seen a combination of letters and numbers on their sidewalls. As a result, you might ask, “What do the numbers on tires mean?”

This code indicates the type and size of the tire, alongside its particular performance purpose. If you’re looking for new cars and want to know more about tire number meaning, Capital Ford Winnipeg has the guide for you. What do the numbers on tires mean for Ford vehicles? Contact our service centre staff with any additional questions.

Determining Tire Number Meanings

So, what do tire numbers mean? A tire’s code uses a series of numbers and letters to inform you or our service centre near Brandon of the size, load index, speed rating, and tire type for your vehicle needs. For example, let’s take a look at the following code:

Example: P215/65R15 95H

While this might seem like technical gibberish, each code section provides information that allows us to identify the right vehicle tire for you.

Decoding “P”

When looking at tire number meanings, it’s important to deconstruct it piece by piece. The “P” stands for “P-Metric tire,” meaning it’s for use on passenger vehicles. If your tires read “LT,” this is for “light truck” and is intended for light-weight pickup trucks. If your tire doesn’t have a letter preceding the code, it is considered a European-style tire, or Euro-Metric tire, featuring different load capacities.

Decoding “215”

After the “P” is the “215” number, which stands for tire width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall. In our example for decoding the question, “What do tire numbers mean?” the tire width is 215 millimeters.

Decoding “65”

Following the forward slash is the aspect radio code, spotlighted in our example by “65.” A tire’s ratio is the height of your tire’s cross-section to its width. As a result, the tire in our example has an aspect ratio where its height is equal to 65% of the tire’s width. The larger its aspect ratio, the bigger the sidewalls will be. 

Decoding “R”

The “R” spotlights the tire’s construction, in this case, “R” means it is a radial. 

Decoding “15”

“15” represents the wheel size from one end to the other, which tells us what tire fits your particular wheel. This code indicates that this tire is meant for a 15-inch wheel.

Decoding “95H”

At the code’s end is “95H,” which represents the speed rating and load index of a tire. The load index (“95” in our example) spotlights how much weight the tire can support when properly inflated and can range from 75-105 for passenger vehicles. “H” represents the speed rating, which is how fast your tire can go safely based on its load capacity. This rating is ranked by various letters. In our example, a tire with a “H” rating will reach a maximum of 210 km per hour.

How to Check Tire Pressure

No matter the size of your car’s tires, one important way to keep them in good health around Portage la Prairie is by keeping them properly inflated. Many newer Ford models have a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that alerts you when your tires aren’t at the proper levels. You can then take your vehicle to a Dauphin gas station to top off the air in your tires, or we can do it when you come in for a service visit.

Turn to Capital Ford Winnipeg for All Your Maintenance Needs

Now that you have an answer to “What do the numbers on tires mean?” turn to our service centre near Brandon, Whether you need a tire rotation or have to order parts, Capital Ford Winnipeg is here to keep your vehicle running for years to come. 

Before scheduling your next appointment, check out our service specials to see how much you can save. Keep your tires in great shape with us at Capital Ford Winnipeg!