What Do the Numbers and Codes on Your Tire Sidewalls Mean?
Mooresville has a new Latin-inspired cocktail bar that is getting a lot of attention. And if you want to check it out, it’s a good idea to make sure you have the best tires on you vehicle when navigating the Mooresville roads. But, knowing which tires are the best for your car or truck can be challenging. However, there’s an easy way to decode which tires will be best for your vehicle. And it’s right there on your existing tire sidewall codes. So, in this blog the experts at Meineke in Mooresville help you decode the information on your tire sidewalls to help decide the perfect tires for your car or truck.
Your Tire Sidewall Codes
When you glance at your car’s tires, you’ll notice a string of numbers and letters etched into the sidewall. And while they might seem like random codes, these markings are full of valuable information that can help you select the right tires for your vehicle. So, let’s take a quick look to understand what your tire sidewall codes mean.
Example: P215/65R16 95H
1. Tire Type (“P”)
- The first letter indicates the type of tire.
- P: Passenger vehicle tire
- LT: Light truck tire
- T: Temporary spare tire
If there’s no letter, it’s a European metric tire.
2. Tire Width (215)
- This number is the tire’s width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall. And in this case, the tire is 215 mm wide.
3. Aspect Ratio (65)
- The aspect ratio is the height of the sidewall as a percentage of the width. So, a 65 aspect ratio means the height is 65% of the tire’s width. And, as a note, the lower numbers indicate a shorter sidewall, which often provides better handling.
4. Construction (“R”)
- The letter shows the tire’s construction type.
- R: Radial (the most common type of tire construction).
- B: Bias-ply construction.
5. Wheel Diameter (16)
- This is the diameter of the wheel in inches that the tire is designed to fit. So, for example, a tire labeled R16 will fit a 16-inch wheel.
6. Load Index (95)
- This number indicates the maximum load the tire can support when properly inflated. So, in this case, 95 corresponds to 1,521 pounds. And you can find the exact load capacity in a load index chart.
7. Speed Rating (“H”)
- The speed rating represents the maximum speed capability of the tire. So, in this example, “H” means the tire can handle speeds up to 130 mph under optimal conditions.
Other Important Markings that are part of Your Tire Sidewall Codes
- DOT Code: This confirms the tire meets U.S. Department of Transportation safety standards. And the last four digits indicate the week and year of manufacture (e.g., “1523” means the 15th week of 2023).
- Treadwear, Traction, and Temperature Grades: These ratings provide insight into the tire’s expected durability, grip, and heat resistance.
Why Tire Sidewall Codes Matters
Remember, your tires are the only part of your car that touches the road—so choosing the right ones is crucial! But, when you’re equipped with these tire sidewall codes and understand what each mean you are better equipped to choose tires (and even your spare tire) that are compatible with your car’s specific needs. And this will help ensure your vehicle’s safety, handling, and fuel efficiency.
Meineke Can Help if You Have Any Questions About Your Tire Sidewall Codes
Understanding tire sidewall codes and markings will give you confidence that you’re making the right choice for your vehicle and driving needs. So, when it’s time to replace your tires, feel free to consult the tires experts at Meineke on East Plaza Drive in Mooresville to confirm the correct specifications need for your car or truck.
If the Meineke in Mooresville is not a convenient location, check out these other locally-owned Meineke North and South Carolina locations:
North Carolina
MEINEKE ASHEVILLE #1596
801 Fairview Road Suite 14
Asheville, NC 28803
Call (833) 720-9793
MEINEKE ASHEVILLE #2467
124 Patton Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801
Call (833) 243-0637
MEINEKE MOORESVILLE #1931
190 E. Plaza Drive
Mooresville, NC 28115
Call (980) 444-0002
MEINEKE LINCOLNTON #2159
2009 East Main Street
Lincolnton, NC 28092
Call (704) 240-9839
MEINEKE WALKERTOWN #2394
5267 Neal Trail Dr
Walkertown, NC 27051
Call (877) 688-8804
MEINEKE ARDEN #2468
2137 Hendersonville Road
Arden, NC 28704
Call (844) 891-3628
MEINEKE HICKORY #2884
1052 11th Avenue Blvd SE
Hickory, NC 28602
Call (828) 270-7267
South Carolina
MEINEKE EASLEY #2983
6949 Calhoun Memorial Hwy
Easley, SC 29640
Call (864) 644-8872
MEINEKE ROCK HILL #1134
2366 Dave Lyle Boulevard
Rock Hill, SC 29730-8931
Call (803) 328-6677
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