{"id":1010,"date":"2017-06-26T14:39:39","date_gmt":"2017-06-26T11:39:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/?p=1010"},"modified":"2025-09-08T16:06:00","modified_gmt":"2025-09-08T13:06:00","slug":"buying-tires-guide-tire-numbers-mean","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/buying-tires-guide-tire-numbers-mean\/","title":{"rendered":"What do the Numbers on Tire Mean? Understand Your Wheels Better"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/1.What-do-the-Numbers-on-Tire-Mean_-Understand-Your-Wheels-Better.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5154\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/1.What-do-the-Numbers-on-Tire-Mean_-Understand-Your-Wheels-Better.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/1.What-do-the-Numbers-on-Tire-Mean_-Understand-Your-Wheels-Better-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/1.What-do-the-Numbers-on-Tire-Mean_-Understand-Your-Wheels-Better-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/1.What-do-the-Numbers-on-Tire-Mean_-Understand-Your-Wheels-Better-60x40.webp 60w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/1.What-do-the-Numbers-on-Tire-Mean_-Understand-Your-Wheels-Better-150x100.webp 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What exactly are those numbers on your tire, and why do they matter? This guide dives straight into what each segment of these cryptic figures represents, from tire dimensions to load capacity. Get ready to leave with the clarity needed to select tires that align with your vehicle\u2019s safety and efficiency standards as we explore what the \u201cnumbers on tire mean.\u201d<\/span><br \/><!--more--><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_69_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/buying-tires-guide-tire-numbers-mean\/#Tire_size_code_what_is_it_and_how_to_read_it\" title=\"Tire size code: what is it and how to read it?\">Tire size code: what is it and how to read it?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/buying-tires-guide-tire-numbers-mean\/#Understanding_tire_type_codes\" title=\"Understanding tire type codes\">Understanding tire type codes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/buying-tires-guide-tire-numbers-mean\/#Section_width\" title=\"Section width\">Section width<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/buying-tires-guide-tire-numbers-mean\/#Aspect_ratio\" title=\"Aspect ratio\">Aspect ratio<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/buying-tires-guide-tire-numbers-mean\/#Carcass_construction\" title=\"Carcass construction\">Carcass construction<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/buying-tires-guide-tire-numbers-mean\/#Rim_diameter\" title=\"Rim diameter\">Rim diameter<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/buying-tires-guide-tire-numbers-mean\/#Load_index_and_speed_rating_explained\" title=\"Load index and speed rating explained\">Load index and speed rating explained<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/buying-tires-guide-tire-numbers-mean\/#Load_index\" title=\"Load index\">Load index<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/buying-tires-guide-tire-numbers-mean\/#Speed_rating\" title=\"Speed rating\">Speed rating<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/buying-tires-guide-tire-numbers-mean\/#Types_of_tire_size_codes\" title=\"Types of tire size codes\">Types of tire size codes<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/buying-tires-guide-tire-numbers-mean\/#Metric\" title=\"Metric\">Metric<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/buying-tires-guide-tire-numbers-mean\/#P-metric\" title=\"P-metric\">P-metric<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/buying-tires-guide-tire-numbers-mean\/#Radial_construction_and_tire_performance\" title=\"Radial construction and tire performance\">Radial construction and tire performance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/buying-tires-guide-tire-numbers-mean\/#Tire_sidewall_insights\" title=\"Tire sidewall insights\">Tire sidewall insights<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/buying-tires-guide-tire-numbers-mean\/#DOT_Code\" title=\"DOT Code\">DOT Code<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/buying-tires-guide-tire-numbers-mean\/#Plant_code\" title=\"Plant code\">Plant code<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/buying-tires-guide-tire-numbers-mean\/#Size_code\" title=\"Size code\">Size code<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/buying-tires-guide-tire-numbers-mean\/#Optional_code\" title=\"Optional code\">Optional code<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/buying-tires-guide-tire-numbers-mean\/#Date_code\" title=\"Date code\">Date code<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/buying-tires-guide-tire-numbers-mean\/#Additional_markings\" title=\"Additional markings\">Additional markings<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/buying-tires-guide-tire-numbers-mean\/#Tire_construction_materials\" title=\"Tire construction materials\">Tire construction materials<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/buying-tires-guide-tire-numbers-mean\/#Maximum_inflation_and_load\" title=\"Maximum inflation and load\">Maximum inflation and load<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/buying-tires-guide-tire-numbers-mean\/#OE_manufacturer_markings\" title=\"OE manufacturer markings\">OE manufacturer markings<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/buying-tires-guide-tire-numbers-mean\/#Other\" title=\"Other\">Other<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/buying-tires-guide-tire-numbers-mean\/#Navigating_through_uniform_tire_quality_grading_UTQG\" title=\"Navigating through uniform tire quality grading (UTQG)\">Navigating through uniform tire quality grading (UTQG)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/buying-tires-guide-tire-numbers-mean\/#Treadwear\" title=\"Treadwear\">Treadwear<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/buying-tires-guide-tire-numbers-mean\/#Traction\" title=\"Traction\">Traction<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/buying-tires-guide-tire-numbers-mean\/#Temperature\" title=\"Temperature\">Temperature<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/buying-tires-guide-tire-numbers-mean\/#More_on_the_UTQG\" title=\"More on the UTQG\">More on the UTQG<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/buying-tires-guide-tire-numbers-mean\/#Why_do_tire_numbers_matter\" title=\"Why do tire numbers matter?\">Why do tire numbers matter?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/buying-tires-guide-tire-numbers-mean\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/buying-tires-guide-tire-numbers-mean\/#What_does_the_%E2%80%98R_in_a_tire_size_mean\" title=\"What does the \u2018R\u2019 in a tire size mean?\">What does the \u2018R\u2019 in a tire size mean?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/buying-tires-guide-tire-numbers-mean\/#How_do_I_know_the_width_of_my_tire\" title=\"How do I know the width of my tire?\">How do I know the width of my tire?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/buying-tires-guide-tire-numbers-mean\/#What_is_the_significance_of_the_load_index\" title=\"What is the significance of the load index?\">What is the significance of the load index?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/buying-tires-guide-tire-numbers-mean\/#How_important_are_speed_ratings\" title=\"How important are speed ratings?\">How important are speed ratings?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/buying-tires-guide-tire-numbers-mean\/#Why_should_I_care_about_the_DOT_code\" title=\"Why should I care about the DOT code?\">Why should I care about the DOT code?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tire_size_code_what_is_it_and_how_to_read_it\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tire size code: what is it and how to read it?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-5155 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/2.Tire-size-code-what-is-it-and-how-to-read-it.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/2.Tire-size-code-what-is-it-and-how-to-read-it.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/2.Tire-size-code-what-is-it-and-how-to-read-it-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/2.Tire-size-code-what-is-it-and-how-to-read-it-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/2.Tire-size-code-what-is-it-and-how-to-read-it-60x40.webp 60w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/2.Tire-size-code-what-is-it-and-how-to-read-it-150x100.webp 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tire size notation is a combination of letters and numbers that give you essential information about your passenger car tire. Typically found on the tire sidewall, owner\u2019s manual, or driver\u2019s side door jamb, these notations inform you about the tire type, width, aspect ratio, construction, and rim diameter. Learn how to read this alphabetic-numeric code, and you will always match your tires correctly with your vehicle\u2019s specifications. And this is the key to your safety and car\u2019s optimal performance! So, let\u2019s dive in and look into the following notations:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tire type codes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Section width<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aspect ratio<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Carcass construction<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rim diameter<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Load index and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/tires-buying-guide-speed-rating-explained\/\">tire speed rating<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each element significantly contributes to selecting an appropriate tire for your car.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Understanding_tire_type_codes\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding tire type codes<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5156\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/3.Understanding-tire-type-codes.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/3.Understanding-tire-type-codes.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/3.Understanding-tire-type-codes-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/3.Understanding-tire-type-codes-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/3.Understanding-tire-type-codes-60x40.webp 60w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/3.Understanding-tire-type-codes-150x100.webp 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tire type codes are the starting point in understanding tire size notation. They are encoded by a single letter or a combination of two letters that stand before the numeric code:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>P \u2013 Passenger tire<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (passenger vehicles: sedans, SUVs, light-duty pickups of \u00bc-\u00bd ton load capacities, also known as passenger car tire)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>LT \u2013<a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/t\/v-light-truck\/\"> Light truck tire<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (some SUVs, medium and heavy-duty pickups of \u00be-1 ton load capacities, also known as light truck tires)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>ST \u2013 Special<a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/t\/v-trailer-and-rv\/\"> trailer tire<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for utility, passenger vehicles, and boat trailers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>T \u2013 Temporary (spare) tire<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that is temporarily used to get to a tire shop or mechanic for repair<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>C \u2013 Commercial tire in the Euro-metric system<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> designated for commercial vehicles like delivery vans and trucks. The letter is usually placed at the end of a numeric code<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>No letter \u2013 Metric-sized tire<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (relevant for European and Asian markets mostly)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Section_width\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Section width<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5171\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Section-width.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Section-width.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Section-width-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Section-width-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Section-width-60x40.webp 60w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Section-width-150x100.webp 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The first three digits represent the section width in the tire code and measure the tire\u2019s width from its widest points, from the inner sidewall to the outer sidewall, in millimeters. Tire width can vary depending on the rim, so tire engineers mount the items on the recommended rim width while calculating.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can convert the number into inches by dividing it by 25.4 or using a<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.unitconverters.net\/length\/mm-to-inches.htm\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">calculator<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. For example, the width of 205 millimeters is roughly 8 inches.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The section width impacts the tire\u2019s road contact, affecting traction, handling, and overall vehicle stability. A wider tire generally offers better grip but may also increase rolling resistance, impacting fuel efficiency. Choosing the correct tire width directly affects the car&#8217;s performance and efficiency.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Aspect_ratio\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aspect ratio<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The aspect ratio is the next critical number in the tire size code, following the section width. It\u2019s a tire\u2019s height-to-width ratio, shown in percent. A 55 profile is 55% of the width, meaning the tire\u2019s height (for a 205 mm width) is 112.75 mm, or 4.4\u201d.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes, tires come without these <a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/does-tire-size-number-mean\/\">tire numbers<\/a>. The term &#8220;full-profile tire&#8221; refers<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to a tire with a high aspect ratio, often around 80%. This means the height of the tire&#8217;s sidewall is 80% of its width. These tires are generally used for vehicles requiring robust and comfortable rides.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Example of a full-profile tire size: 11R24.5: This indicates an aspect ratio of approximately 80%, making it a full-profile tire\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tires with a three-digit ratio (in millimeters) can be found really rarely.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If a tire has an aspect ratio of 55 or less, it\u2019s a low-profile tire, usually used for sports vehicles. They provide better grip and performance but wear faster. Learn more about<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/what-are-low-profile-tires-used-for\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">low-profile tires<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This ratio impacts the tire\u2019s performance characteristics, including ride comfort and handling. A lower aspect ratio typically means a shorter sidewall, which can enhance cornering stability and steering response but might result in a harsher ride.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A higher aspect ratio offers more cushion and a smoother ride but may compromise handling at high speeds.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Carcass_construction\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Carcass construction<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The carcass construction of a tire is a key factor in its performance and durability. This refers to the internal structure of the tire, primarily made up of layers of textile fiber cords bonded with rubber. These cords, known as the carcass ply, provide the tire with its strength and ability to withstand pressure.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are three construction types:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>R<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 radial construction. The most modern type with the plies going radially to the circumference, under the proper angle. Such tires are also reinforced with steel belts. More than 98% of tires on the market are this type.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>\u201c-\u201c or D<\/strong> \u2013 <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bias-ply (diagonal) construction. The oldest used type with the plies crisscrossing diagonally.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>B<\/strong> \u2013 <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bias-belt construction. This type is like bias-ply, with an extra belt reinforcing the tire. Two or more belts made of materials such as fiberglass or steel run circumferentially under the tread. These belts provide extra strength and stability to the tread area while giving more rigidity to the sidewall than traditional bias-ply tires.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>NOTE:<\/strong> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some tires, mostly imported from Europe, contain the letters \u201cF\u201d after \u201cR\u201d in their codes. These tires have self-supporting, run-flat construction approved by the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/European_Tyre_and_Rim_Technical_Organisation\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">European Tyre and Rim Technical Organization<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (ETRTO).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High-speed tires have a ZR rating and often include additional reinforcements, such as full cap plies or belt edge strips, to enhance performance and durability. Ultra-high-performance tires may also feature fabric or steel cord reinforcements in the sidewalls to improve cornering stability and steering response.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rim_diameter\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rim diameter<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The rim diameter is indicated by the number following the aspect ratio and construction type in the tire code. For instance, in 205\/55R16, the \u201816\u2019 denotes that the tire is designed to fit a 16-inch wheel rim.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most popular sizes (in inches) for passenger vehicles are 8\u201d, 10\u201d, 12\u201d, 13\u201d, 14\u201d, 15\u201d, 17\u201d, 18\u201d, 19\u201d, 20\u201d, 22\u201d, 23\u201d, 24\u201d, 26\u201d, 28\u201d.\u00a0 Most passenger vehicles are equipped with these tires.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tires with irregular rim diameters are often used for box vans, heavy-duty light trucks, and trailers. The tire numbers include 14.5\u201d, 14.5\u201d, 16.5\u201d, 16.5\u201d, and 19.5\u201d. Such tires are for specific use and should not be mixed with regular tires.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, some tires use rim diameters in millimeters, but these are rare.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Michelin_PAX_System\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Michelin PAX<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> run-flat tires, which are limited Original Equipment (OE) tires in the US, use this system.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This measurement is essential for proper tire fitment. A mismatch between tire and wheel diameter can lead to poor handling and increased wear. That&#8217;s why we recommend maintaining the original equipment&#8217;s wheel diameter.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Load_index_and_speed_rating_explained\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Load index and speed rating explained<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The tire&#8217;s load index and tire&#8217;s speed rating are integral for managing your vehicle\u2019s weight and anticipated speed. The load index indicates the maximum weight a properly inflated tire can safely carry, while the speed rating specifies the top speed the tire can sustain. Since 1991, it has been legally required for all tire manufacturers to add load index and speed rating data on all produced tires, except Z-rated tires.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Load_index\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Load index<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The tire\u2019s load index is a numerical code representing the maximum load a properly inflated tire can withhold. This number must be referenced against a load index chart to determine the specific load-carrying capacity. The tire&#8217;s load index numbers range from 70 to 126, with each numeric value corresponding to a certain carrying capacity shown in pounds at the U.S. tire market and in kilograms in Europe. Light Truck (LT) or Special Trailer (ST) tires have two load indexes: the first indicates load carrying capacity for single-wheel rear application, and the second for dual rear application.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/t\/t-passenger\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Passenger tires<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> usually have a load index between 70 and 124, ensuring they can handle various vehicle weights.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>NOTE:<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Remember, these tire numbers show you how much you can load on one tire. If you want to learn the load capacity of the whole set, multiply the mass by 4. An index of 91 means that a single tire can withhold 1,356 pounds, so all four tires will carry a maximum load of 5,424 pounds, including the weight of the vehicle itself.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Speed_rating\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Speed rating<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The tire\u2019s speed rating indicates the maximum speed a tire can safely maintain under controlled conditions. This rating is represented by a letter, such as \u2018H,\u2019 for a maximum safe speed of 130 mph. The tire&#8217;s speed rating letters range from A to Y, each coinciding with the maximum speed a tire can handle. Speed ratings are determined through standardized tests and reflect the tire\u2019s speed capability.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Higher speed ratings generally mean better handling and heat resistance at high speeds but may also result in a stiffer ride.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the tire\u2019s speed capabilities exceed the maximum limit (Y\u2014186 mph), the load index and \u201cY\u201d are found in the code.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>NOTE:<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Tires with speed capacity over 149 mph (W, Y, Y) potentially contain \u201cZ\u201d before R (radial tire). Manufacturers producing tires with a speed capacity over 186 mph must add the speed indicator Z before R.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Types_of_tire_size_codes\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Types of tire size codes<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tire size codes are available in P-metric and Metric (or Euro-metric) classifications.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Metric\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metric<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5170\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/10.Metric.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/10.Metric.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/10.Metric-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/10.Metric-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/10.Metric-60x40.webp 60w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/10.Metric-150x100.webp 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also called Euro-metric, this is an approved standard. The numeric sequence starts with the section width (225) in millimeters without preceding letters. This method of presenting the tire width was adopted in Europe in the 1960s and later became the U.S. standard. However, the states have adopted a different system.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Engineers determine the standard based on the load and dimensional characteristics of the vehicles. As you can see, the Metric and P-metric systems differ in load and inflation standards.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"P-metric\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">P-metric<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5169\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/11.P-Metric.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/11.P-Metric.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/11.P-Metric-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/11.P-Metric-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/11.P-Metric-60x40.webp 60w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/11.P-Metric-150x100.webp 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The P-metric system was adopted in the 1970s and is the usual choice for passenger vehicles in the United States. Tires for SUVs, light-duty pickups, and station wagons also qualify under this system. Engineers calculate tire load capacity according to the formula that uses the tire\u2019s size and the air pressure within it. As a result, vehicle manufacturers can construct new vehicles to fit the formula-based tires. The P-metric standard is approved by the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tire_code#National_technical_standards_regulations\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tire and Rim Association<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (T&amp;RA).<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><strong>NOTE:<\/strong> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both systems use the same sizes and dimensions, so it&#8217;s possible to interchange them in axle pairs or sets. Metric-sized tire numbers include greater load capacities: changing from P-metric to metric is no problem. However, if you go for vice versa, make sure to buy P-metric tires with a bigger load capacity. Sometimes, pressure adjustments can solve the problem, but they may also sacrifice the vehicle&#8217;s handling and performance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to these, motorcycle tires also have specific size codes, which we will explore next.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Radial_construction_and_tire_performance\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Radial construction and tire performance<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Radial construction has revolutionized tire performance, offering advantages over older tires. Radial tires feature steel belts running at a 90-degree angle to the tread centerline, enhancing maneuverability and high-speed performance. This construction allows the tread and sidewall to function independently, providing better traction and cornering ability.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The steel belts add to the tire\u2019s toughness, making it more resistant to wear and tear. Additionally, radial tires generate less heat at high speeds, improving durability during long journeys and highway travel. These benefits make radial tires a preferred choice for both passenger vehicles and light trucks.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tire_sidewall_insights\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tire sidewall insights<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5167\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/12.Tire-sidewall-insights.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/12.Tire-sidewall-insights.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/12.Tire-sidewall-insights-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/12.Tire-sidewall-insights-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/12.Tire-sidewall-insights-60x40.webp 60w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/12.Tire-sidewall-insights-150x100.webp 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The tire sidewall harbors a wealth of information beyond just the size notation. Traction grades, indicated as AA, A, B, and C, reveal the tire\u2019s wet traction performance under controlled conditions, with AA being the highest. Temperature ratings indicate the tire\u2019s ability to resist heat under normal operating conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The \u201cDOT\u201d marking signifies the tire\u2019s compliance with safety standards and includes codes that identify the manufacturer and production details. These insights help understand the tire\u2019s performance and suitability for various conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"DOT_Code\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DOT Code<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5165\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/13.DOT-Code1.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/13.DOT-Code1.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/13.DOT-Code1-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/13.DOT-Code1-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/13.DOT-Code1-60x40.webp 60w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/13.DOT-Code1-150x100.webp 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The DOT code on a tire confirms its compliance with US safety standards, a requirement for all tires sold in the country. This code includes vital information such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Plant_code\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plant code<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every tire plant in the world has a two- or three-digit, two-or three-letter, or alphabetic-numeric code. The Tire Safety Group list contains these tire numbers and letters. This information is important for those who want to know whether the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/tires-made-usa-american-foreign-brands\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> tire was made in the US<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Please note that some of the facilities on the list may have been closed.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Size_code\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Size code<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) does not interpret size codes. However, the Rubber Manufacturers Association has a suggested code<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.barrystiretech.com\/rmadotcoding2009.pdf\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">deciphering list<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Some of the data may be inaccurate, as this is an estimate, and some foreign-based manufacturers may use another system.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Optional_code\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Optional code<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The next 3-4 tire numbers are an optional code for the manufacturer. The code should include the category of the tire, its construction, and tread pattern. Tire companies use this to recall defective tires. By the way, you can check whether your tire company has recalled your tire model <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/recallinfo.rma.org\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Date_code\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Date code<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The last four digits of TIN are the week and year of the tire&#8217;s manufacture. The sequence 4313 means the tire was made in the 43rd week of 2013. The newer the tire you buy, the better it is, as rubber deteriorates even<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/how-long-do-tires-last-if-not-used\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">if the tire has never been mounted<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires after they turn 6-10 years old. You can learn more about the code from<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/read-date-code-motorcycle-tires\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">this post<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>NOTE:<\/strong> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecfr.gov\/cgi-bin\/text-idx?SID=e9e04d1dbab6285f7e27151cad41ed25&amp;mc=true&amp;node=pt49.7.574&amp;rgn=div5\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">US Government Publishing Office<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, all tire plants will receive new three-symbol codes they must start using by April 13, 2025.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Additional_markings\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additional markings<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5163\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/14.Additional-markings.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/14.Additional-markings.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/14.Additional-markings-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/14.Additional-markings-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/14.Additional-markings-60x40.webp 60w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/14.Additional-markings-150x100.webp 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tire numbers can also tell you about the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tire construction materials<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maximum inflation and load<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether the tire is OE<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tire_construction_materials\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tire construction materials<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to the codes, you can also find deciphered data on the number of plies and their materials. The tread and sidewall may contain different layers, so the information may be useful if you want a particular tire.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The data doesn\u2019t show rubber compounds, only the main materials of the plies. These may be steel, fiberglass, rayon, polyester, etc.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Maximum_inflation_and_load\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maximum inflation and load<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maximum inflation shows how much cold pressure a tire needs to hold the maximum load.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maximum load shows how much weight a cold tire with proper maximum inflation can carry.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These tire numbers do not represent the recommended inflation and load. So, when mounting and inflating tires, make sure your main guide is your vehicle\u2019s owner\u2019s manual. The information is also on the tire placard in the vehicle. Also, note that exceeding the maximum air pressure and load dramatically endangers you and the car.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"OE_manufacturer_markings\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">OE manufacturer markings<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5161\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/15.OE-manufacturer-markings.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/15.OE-manufacturer-markings.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/15.OE-manufacturer-markings-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/15.OE-manufacturer-markings-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/15.OE-manufacturer-markings-60x40.webp 60w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/15.OE-manufacturer-markings-150x100.webp 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Original Equipment tire is what the vehicle\u2019s manufacturer recommends for a particular car. They partner with tire companies to create tires that are most adequately suited to certain car models.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some examples of OE tire numbers and markings:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>AO<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Audi Original. Indicates tires specifically designed and approved by Audi for their vehicles.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>AOE<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Audi Original Extended. These are run-flat tires specifically approved for Audi vehicles, providing extended mobility.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>RO1<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Audi Quattro Specification. Indicates tires that meet the specific requirements of Audi\u2019s Quattro all-wheel-drive system.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>MO<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Mercedes Original. This marking signals that Mercedes-Benz designed and approved the tires for their vehicles.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>B1<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Bentley Specification. These tires are specifically approved and tailored for Bentley vehicles.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>RSC<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Runflat System Component. Specific for BMW, indicating that the tire is designed to be run-flat and meets BMW\u2019s specifications.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>\u2729 (Star-marked)<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: BMW Specification. Indicates tires that are specifically designed, tested, and certified for BMW vehicles.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Other\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other tire numbers and markings include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>M+S\/M&amp;S<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 Mud and Snow tires. The name speaks for itself: these tires are recommended for use in mud and snow<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>M+T\/M&amp;T<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 Mud and Terrain tires. Provide better traction and self-cleaning in mud and rocks<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>3PMSF<\/strong> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol. The tire is designated for winter and is recommended for severe snowy conditions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>BSW\/WSW<\/strong> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014 Black or While Sidewall<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>TL\/TT<\/strong> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014 Tubeless or Tube-Type tires<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>SFI\/SFO<\/strong> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014 Asymmetric tires: with side facing inwards or outwards<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>LL\/SL\/XL<\/strong> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014 Light, Standard, and Extra loads<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>RF<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 Reinforced tires<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>RFT<\/strong> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014 Run-flat tires allow drivers not to use<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/t\/temporary-spare\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">spare tires<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Navigating_through_uniform_tire_quality_grading_UTQG\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Navigating through uniform tire quality grading (UTQG)<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5160\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/16.Navigating-through-uniform-tire-quality-grading-UTQG.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/16.Navigating-through-uniform-tire-quality-grading-UTQG.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/16.Navigating-through-uniform-tire-quality-grading-UTQG-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/16.Navigating-through-uniform-tire-quality-grading-UTQG-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/16.Navigating-through-uniform-tire-quality-grading-UTQG-60x40.webp 60w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/16.Navigating-through-uniform-tire-quality-grading-UTQG-150x100.webp 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) system provides comparative performance ratings for tires, which government-specified tests conducted by tire manufacturers established. These ratings assist consumers in making knowledgeable decisions when <a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/an-ultimate-guide-to-buying-tires\/\">buying tires<\/a>. The UTQG system includes several ratings, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Treadwear\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Treadwear<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tire numbers after the word &#8220;Treadwear&#8221; estimate how long the given tire will last compared to the reference tire. The latter has a rating of 100; all other tires that go for a test get ratings in relation. So, a tire with a rating of 300 may last three times longer than the reference.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are tires with lower ratings, like 80 in sports tires. Their rubber compounds are softer and provide better grip at higher speeds, but they wear faster. The rating can go up to 650-700 and even higher for harder tires that wear longer yet provide a rougher ride.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The test itself is a 400-mile test loop that a vehicle convoy runs (with both test tire and Course Monitoring Tire (CMT) mounted) for 7,200 miles. Every 800 miles, specialists should check inflation rates and rotate the tires if necessary. The test tire\u2019s tread and the CMT tread are measured during and at the end of the test, and the test item gets its tire numbers.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Traction\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Traction<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One or two letters after the respective word show how well the tire provides traction on wet surfaces. There are AA, A, B, and C ratings, with the best AA and the worst (relatively) C. It doesn\u2019t evaluate hydroplaning resistance or braking, though.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Temperature\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Temperature<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A letter after the respective word indicates the limit of temperature that the tire can safely dissipate. There are A, B, and C ratings, where A is the best, and C is relatively the worst. The A grade means the tire can withstand speeds over 115 mph. The B grade shows the tire withstands speeds between 100 and 115 mph. The C grade means the tire is still safe at speeds between 85 and 100 mph.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"More_on_the_UTQG\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More on the UTQG<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UTQG is the system that is mandatory for most passenger cars in the US. Light-truck, winter, spare, trailer tires, and those with rim diameters of less than 12\u201d don\u2019t require the ratings.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The problem with this system is that manufacturers test their tires under controlled conditions. So, the effectiveness of the tire under irregular or even simple street conditions may be unexpected. The rule of thumb is that A and AA are the best; the higher the treadwear rating, the better. However, you should also choose tires depending on your needs, including the ride&#8217;s comfort and grip.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_do_tire_numbers_matter\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why do tire numbers matter?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5157\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/17.Why-do-tire-numbers-matter_.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/17.Why-do-tire-numbers-matter_.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/17.Why-do-tire-numbers-matter_-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/17.Why-do-tire-numbers-matter_-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/17.Why-do-tire-numbers-matter_-60x40.webp 60w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/17.Why-do-tire-numbers-matter_-150x100.webp 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tire numbers link the vehicle to the road, influencing safety, braking, handling, steering, and ride quality. They provide essential information about the tire\u2019s age, which is critical since tires weaken significantly after six years, regardless of mileage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Knowing tire numbers helps identify the manufacturing details and ensure the tires\u2019 suitability for your vehicle, enhancing safety and performance.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_the_%E2%80%98R_in_a_tire_size_mean\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What does the \u2018R\u2019 in a tire size mean?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The \u2018R\u2019 stands for Radial, indicating that the tire\u2019s internal ply cords are oriented in a radial direction, from one bead to the other, perpendicular to the rotation direction.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_I_know_the_width_of_my_tire\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How do I know the width of my tire?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The tire width is represented by the first three digits in the tire code and is measured in millimeters. For example, a tire coded as 205\/55R16 has a width of 205 millimeters.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_significance_of_the_load_index\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the significance of the load index?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A tire\u2019s load index signifies the maximum weight it can bear when inflated to its highest pressure. The tire&#8217;s load index numbers range from 70 to 126, with each numeric value corresponding to a certain carrying capacity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The load index is listed in pounds for U.S. passenger car tires, while it is listed in kilograms and sometimes pounds for European tires.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Light Truck (LT) or Special Trailer (ST) tires have two load indexes: the first number indicates load-carrying capacity for a single-wheel rear application and the second number for a dual rear application. This is important for determining the tire\u2019s suitability for a particular vehicle or application. This number must be referenced against a load index chart to determine the specific load-carrying capacity.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_important_are_speed_ratings\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How important are speed ratings?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Speed ratings specify the maximum speed a tire can safely sustain under controlled conditions, which affects vehicle safety and performance. The tire&#8217;s speed rating letters range from A to Y, each coinciding with the maximum speed a tire can handle. Higher speed ratings generally mean better handling and heat resistance at high speeds.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_should_I_care_about_the_DOT_code\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why should I care about the DOT code?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The DOT code confirms that the tire meets US safety standards and includes information about the manufacturing plant, tire size, and date of manufacture. This helps ensure the tire\u2019s safety and identify its age.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What does the \u2018R\u2019 in a tire size mean?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The \u2018R\u2019 stands for Radial, indicating that the tire\u2019s internal ply cords are oriented in a radial direction, from one bead to the other, perpendicular to the rotation direction.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How do I know the width of my tire?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The tire width is represented by the first three digits in the tire code and is measured in millimeters. For example, a tire coded as 205\/55R16 has a width of 205 millimeters.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is the significance of the load index?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"A tire\u2019s load index signifies the maximum weight it can bear when inflated to its highest pressure. The tire's load index numbers range from 70 to 126, with each numeric value corresponding to a certain carrying capacity. \\nThe load index is listed in pounds for U.S. passenger car tires, while it is listed in kilograms and sometimes pounds for European tires. \\nLight Truck (LT) or Special Trailer (ST) tires have two load indexes: the first number indicates load-carrying capacity for a single-wheel rear application and the second number for a dual rear application. This is important for determining the tire\u2019s suitability for a particular vehicle or application. This number must be referenced against a load index chart to determine the specific load-carrying capacity.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How important are speed ratings?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Speed ratings specify the maximum speed a tire can safely sustain under controlled conditions, which affects vehicle safety and performance. The tire's speed rating letters range from A to Y, each coinciding with the maximum speed a tire can handle. Higher speed ratings generally mean better handling and heat resistance at high speeds.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Why should I care about the DOT code?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The DOT code confirms that the tire meets US safety standards and includes information about the manufacturing plant, tire size, and date of manufacture. This helps ensure the tire\u2019s safety and identify its age.\"}}]}<\/script><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What exactly are those numbers on your tire, and why do they matter? This guide dives straight into what each segment of these cryptic figures represents, from tire dimensions to load capacity. Get ready to leave with the clarity needed to select tires that align with your vehicle&rsquo;s safety and efficiency standards as we explore [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2,1],"tags":[8,6,40,41,43,42],"class_list":["post-1010","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-buying-tires","category-general-information","tag-buying-tires","tag-dot-code","tag-tire-numbers","tag-tire-sidewall","tag-tire-size-code","tag-utqg"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Buying Tires Guide: What Do the Tire Numbers Mean?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Tire numbers on a sidewall can help you determine the kind of tire that suits your vehicle best. 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