They have better road grip, lower rolling resistance for better gas mileage, ride comfort and durability than previous generations of tires. R is for radial tires, the industry standard for most tires today. This gives you an answer of 5.5, the sidewall height in inches.ĭ: CONSTRUCTION TYPE This single letter tells you about the internal construction of the tire. To get the sidewall height, take the tire width of 215 mm and convert it to inches (8.46). In this example, the aspect ratio is 65, meaning the sidewall is 65 percent as high as the tire is wide. It’s the height of the sidewall measured from wheel rim to top of the tread, expressed as a percentage of tire width. The aspect ratio is indicated on the tire sidewall as a percentage. The bigger the aspect ratio, the higher/taller the tire’s sidewall, or “profile” as it’s sometimes called. This may also be referred to as the section width.Ĭ: ASPECT RATIO The forward slash separates the tire width number from the two-digit aspect ratio. It’s also measured in millimeters but may have a different load capacity than a P or LT tire.ī: TIRE WIDTH The three-digit number following the letter is the tire’s width (from side to side, looking at the tire head on) in millimeters. If there’s no letter before the first number, you have a metric tire most commonly referred to as European size. These tire sizes are meant for trailers, including fifth wheels and other travel trailers, as well as boat and utility trailers. These are often equipped on three-quarter or 1 ton trucks and SUVs. LT means light truck tire, designed for vehicles that are capable of carrying heavy loads, towing trailers, or for those looking for an extra heavy duty option. P-class tires include cars, SUVs, crossovers, minivans and smaller pickup trucks. Here’s what those numbers and indicators on the sidewall indicate and how to understand them:Ī: TIRE TYPE The first letter in the code tells you what class of tire it is. Next, have a tire professional help you determine a tire size range that will fit your vehicle and driving needs. If you’re interested in switching out your tires for a different look or performance, a good place to start is the numbers and other indicators on your existing tires’ sidewall. This is the sizing recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. You can see your original equipment tire size in your owner’s manual or on the placard generally located on the driver’s side door jam. Plus, the right size for your car, truck, or trailer can differ depending on where and how you drive. Some numbers on the sidewall are listed in millimeters while others are inches. Tire Size Explained: What the Numbers Mean
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