What Do the Numbers on Tires Mean?

Whether you’re buying new tires due to age, or you’re looking for a different style or added performance, a good place to start your search is the sidewall on one of your existing tires. But what do all those letters and numbers mean?

If you need help deciphering your tire number, Classic Buick GMC has you covered. Learn more about the tire number meaning in our detailed guide below. When you’re finished, check out our current promotional offers to see how you can save on a new set of tires!

Determining Tire Number Meaning

Located on the sidewall of your tire, a tire code is a series of letters and numbers that represent the size, load index, speed rating, and type of tire your vehicle. While it may look like gibberish, each section of code gives you the specifications you need to find the right tire for your vehicle. Let’s take a look at the code example below and break it down step-by-step to help answer your question, “What do the numbers on tires mean?”

P215/65R15 95H

Decoding “P”

Starting with the first letter in our code, which represents the class. “P” stands for “passenger vehicle tires”. P-class includes cars, crossovers, SUVs, minivans, smaller pickup trucks, as well as some electric vehicles. “LT,” means “light truck,” and is often intended for three-quarter or 1-ton trucks and SUVs. If the tire does not have a letter preceding the code, this indicates you have a European-style tire, or Euro-Metric tire, which is measured in millimeters and has different load capacities.

Decoding “215”

The three-digit number following the “P”, or tire class, stands for tire width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall. So in our example, the width of this tire is 215 millimeters.

Decoding “65”

After the forward slash comes the two-digit aspect ratio code. The larger the aspect ratio, the higher or taller your tire’s sidewall, or “profile” will be. So in our example, the aspect ratio is 65, meaning the tire sidewall is 65 percent high as it is wide.

Decoding “R”

The “R” tells whether the tire’s internal construction is radial or bias. The “R” in our example means that it’s a radial.

Decoding “15”

The number “15” signifies the distance or diameter between each side of the tire where it gets tightly sealed onto the wheel. So in our example, our vehicle would need a 15-inch wheel.

Decoding “95H”

The last code in our example represents the load index and speed rating.

“95” refers to the load index, which indicates how much weight the tire can support when it’s properly inflated and can range from 75-105 for passenger vehicles.

“H” denotes the speed rating. Based on its load capacity, a vehicle with a higher speed rating can handle heat better and deliver more control at fast speeds. A speed rating is ranked by a single letter and a chart will translate what the letter means.

Order Tires for Buick and GMC in Painesville

Now that we’ve reviewed the question, “What do the numbers on tires mean?” you’re probably about to open Google and enter your tire code. But why leave our website? With the help of our tire finder, browse a large assortment of tires and place an online order today.

Trust Classic Buick GMC for Your Tire and Service Needs!

No matter if you need new tires or brakes, or you’re ready to come in for your regularly scheduled oil change, you can depend on Classic Buick GMC for your vehicle service needs. Schedule service online to make an appointment at our dealership in Painesville. If you have any further questions on the tire number meaning, send us a message to be connected with a member of our service team.