How to Read Tire Size

We’ve all seen that writing on the sides of our tires. How many of us actually know what any of it means? They may seem like hieroglyphics, but once you learn what they mean, these letters and numbers can actually turn out to be quite useful.

The service experts at World Ford Pensacola are dedicated to making sure our fellow drivers in the Pensacola, Crestview, and Fort Walton Beach areas know all the vital information there is to know about the automobiles they drive every day. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to walk you through the step-by-step process of how to read tire size.

Tire Type

As you take a look at one of your tires, you’ll notice that the area known as the tire size starts with the letter “P”. This tells you that the tire is a P-Metric tire. The fact that your tire is a P-Metric tire means that it was manufactured under the strict guidelines required for all passenger vehicles in the United States.

You might also notice some tires with the letters “LT” at the beginning or end of the tire size. This means that the tire is meant for light trucks.

Tire Width

Next, you’ll come across a three-digit number. This is the tire width in millimeters. The width is determined by measuring the tire from sidewall to sidewall.

Aspect Ratio

After the slash mark comes the tire’s aspect ratio. If your tire size reads as P185/60, the 60 tells you that the tire’s height is 60% of its width.

Construction

The letter “R” you see next stands for radial. This simply describes its construction. Most tires on the road today are radial tires.

Wheel Diameter

The wheel diameter is the size of the wheel that the tire fits. For instance, your P185/60 R14 tire fits on a 14-inch diameter wheel.

Load Index Number

The next number in the tire size is the load index number. This number coincides with a weight in the load index that is the tire’s maximum load carrying capacity. When inflated to the correct capacity, this is the maximum load your tire is designed to hold.

Speed Rating Air Pressure

The final part of the tire size is the tire’s speed rating. In the tire code P185/60 R14 82H, “H” is the speed rating. This letter corresponds to your tire’s maximum speed capability.

Air Pressure

Another important piece of information located on your tire is the maximum pressure number. It’s important to maintain the correct tire pressure on your tires. This number tells you how much air pressure can be held in your tire according to its size.

Visit Us Today

As you can see, all those numbers and letters on the sides of your tires really do contain a lot of valuable information. Whether you’re looking for your tire’s load index number, wheel diameter, or speed rating, you’ll know exactly where to find them.

If you live in Pensacola, Crestview, or Fort Walton Beach and have any questions about how to read tire size, we here at World Ford Pensacola are happy to help. So, contact us today!