What Do Tire Numbers Mean?

Ever noticed the number combinations stamped on the side of tires while inspecting your own or shopping for a new set in Laurel? This likely brought up questions like “How to read tire numbers?” or “What do tire size numbers mean?” The code simply indicates the size and type of tire you’re looking at, as well as its particular performance purpose. So, if you’re wondering, “What does 95h mean on a tire?” our team will help you decipher the code. If you’re shopping for new tires and need help determining what to get or you’d simply like to know what do the numbers on tires mean, Underriner Motors is here with the answers you need!

How to Read Tire Numbers: Decoding Tire Number Meaning

Tire codes use a series of letters and numbers to indicate to Bozeman drivers and service technicians the size, load index, speed rating, and type of tire needed for maximum performance. So, when you ask, “What do tire size numbers mean?” you’ll find that each section of the code offers insights into the capabilities of your tire. To better explain tire number meaning, let’s decode an example and learn how to read tire numbers:

Tire Code Example: P215/65R15 95H

It may not appear to provide anything useful, but each portion of the code actually represents a piece of information that can be used to properly identify the type of tire.

• “P” stands for “P-Metric tire,” meaning it’s used for passenger vehicles. If your tires read “LT” this stands for “light truck,” meaning they’re intended for lightweight pickup trucks. If there is no letter preceding the code, it’s a European-style tire, or Euro-Metric tire, which have different load capacities.
• Following the “P,” we see the number “215,” which indicates the tire width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall. In our example, this tire width is 215 millimeters.
• After the forward-slash, we see the aspect ratio. Here, it is indicated by the number “65.” A tire’s ratio is the height of the tire’s cross-section to its width, meaning the tire in our example has an aspect ratio in which its height is equal to 65 percent of its width. The higher the aspect ratio, the bigger the sidewalls.
• The “R” simply indicates the tire’s construction, with “R” alerting us that it’s a radial tire.
• Moving onto “15,” which indicates the wheel size from one end to the other, we find out what type of wheel will fit this particular tire. Here, we see that the tire is intended for a 15-inch wheel.
• Finally, let’s discuss “95H,” the last section of the code. If you’ve asked, “what does 95H mean on a tire?”, this is the load index and speed rating for the tire. In our example, “95” is the load index, which tells us how much weight the tire can support when properly inflated. For passenger vehicles, load index ranges from 75 – 105. “H” represents the speed rating, which is how fast the tires can go based on their load capacity. This rating ranges from A – Z. “H” indicates a speed rating of up to 130 mph.

Importance of Routine Tire Care

Understanding tire numbers gives you great insight into the type of driving your tires can handle. While getting to know your tires is a great exercise, caring for them will help you enjoy safer commutes from Laurel to Miles City. As your only point of contact with the road, tire health is critical. Our team offers wheel balancing, tire rotations, alignments, tire changes, and much more.

Keeping up with these services will enable you to feel safer behind the wheel, but will also offer other tangible benefits as well. Well-cared-for tires will last longer, saving you money. Along with that, healthy tires promote fuel efficiency and greater performance on each drive. Last and certainly not least, a strong overall service record is attractive when you’re ready to sell your vehicle!

Learn More About Tire Maintenance at Underriner Motors

If you’re in need of a new set of tires or it’s time for rotation, you can schedule an appointment with our certified service center near Bozeman. Now that you know how to read tire numbers, you can be quick with an answer when friends and family ask questions like “What does 95H mean on a tire?” or “What do tire size numbers mean?” As always, feel free to contact us if you’d like to learn more!