TIRE CODES & WHAT THEY MEAN
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Credit: toptires.reviews
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Have you ever wondered what the meaning of numerous codes written on the sidewall of tires could be?
These codes are meant to help you buy the right tire. And also save your life!
Do you know that those codes contain information about the type of vehicle to be used with it, Car tire expiration date, size of rim, load and speed ratings? Using a wrong tire can cause fatal accident. Now these codes can really save your life.
Usually, a tire will have similar to
P205/60R16 90H printed on its sidewall.
Tire Type
Tire Type The letter "P" at the beginning of the "Tire Size" tells us that the tire is a P-Metric tire, referring to tires made to certain standards within the United States, intended for Passenger vehicles.
If a tire size has no letters at the beginning, this indicates a Euro metric tire. Also note that P-Metric and Euro-Metric tires may have different load capacities.
The letters "LT," either at the beginning or at the end of the tire size indicate the tire was designed for light trucks. Vehicle manufacturers equip some light trucks with "LT" type tires. These tires generally require higher inflation pressures than passenger tires.
T on the other hand means Truck vehicles.
Always consult your owner's manual or tire placard for the recommended tire size and inflation pressure for your vehicle.
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| credit: goodyearautoservice.com |
Tire Width
Tire Width is the width of the tire measured in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall. The first three-digit number in the tire size refers to the tire width. For instance, in a size P215/65 R15 tire, the width is 215 millimeters.
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| credit: goodyearautoservice.com |
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| credit: imagefriend.com |
Aspect Ratio
Aspect Ratio is the ratio of the height of the tire's cross-section to its width. The two-digit number after the slash mark in a tire size is the aspect ratio. For example, in a size P215/65 R15 tire, the 65 means that the height is equal to 65% of the tire's width. The bigger the aspect ratio, the bigger the tire's sidewall will be.
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| credit: goodyearautoservice.com |
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| credit: imagefriend.com |
Construction
Construction. The letter "R" in a tire size stands for Radial, which means the layers run radially across the tire.
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| credit: goodyearautoservice.com |
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Wheel Diameter
Wheel Diameter is the size of the wheel measured from one end to the other. It tells us the size of the wheel that the tire is intended to fit. A size P215/65 R15 tire is made for a wheel with a 15" diameter.
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| credit: goodyearautoservice.com |
Load Index
Load Index indicates the maximum load that the tire can support when properly inflated. You'll also find the maximum load on the tire sidewall, in both pounds and kilograms.
Read more here.
Speed Rating
Speed Rating tells you the maximum speed capability of a tire. Often speed ratings are matched to the top speed capability of the vehicle. For example, a tire with an H-speed rating has a maximum speed capability of 130 mph or 210 km/h.
Tire manufacturers do not recommend exceeding legally posted speed limits!
See Speed rating charts
The last letter is the Speed Rating, Which is the maximum speed the tyre can run. This letters are codes.
In this case :
H stands for 210KMPH
Other speed rating codes and their meaning :
M = 130 kmph
N =140 kmph = Spare Tires
P = 150 kmph
Q = 160 kmph = Winter Tires
R = 170 kmph = Truck Tires
S = 180 kmph = Cars and Minivans
T = 190 kmph = Cars and Minivans
U = 200 kmph = Sport Performance Cars
V = 240 kmph = High Performance Cars
W = 270 kmph = Ultra High-Performance Cars
Y = 300 kmph = Ultra High-Performance Cars
DOT Symbol
DOT Symbol: The letters "DOT" on the sidewall indicate that the tire complies with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards in the United States.
Tire Identification Number
Tire Identification Number: The series of letters and numbers following the letters "DOT." The TIN consists of up to 12 numbers and letters to identify the factory location and the week and year the tire was manufactured.
UTQG stands for Uniform Tire Quality Grading, a rating system developed by the U.S. Department of Transportation to provide consumers with information to help them purchase tires based on their relative treadwear, traction and temperature capabilities.
Traction grades indicate the wet traction of a tire under a controlled test. A tire with an "AA" rating offers outstanding traction in wet conditions.
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Temperature grades indicate the ability of the tire to withstand and dissipate destructive heat. A tire with a higher temperature grade is able to operate at higher speeds.
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| Temperature Grades | Speeds in mph |
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| A | Over 115 |
| B | Between 100 and 115 |
| C | Between 85 and 100 |
Treadwear grades are based on standardized government tests to help predict the expected treadwear of a tire. For example, a tire with a treadwear grade of 200 should last twice as long as a tire with a treadwear grade of 100.
Source: Goodyearautoservice
Remember,
if the odometer says 25,000 miles, the car should still have its original tires, with tread deeper than than 2/32 of an inch (1.5875 mm). Ask the mechanic to check tire tread with a depth gauge.
Otherwise,
Order a Vehicle History Report to ascertain the real condition of the car before making any financial commitments.
Get a Vehicle History Report for as low as N1,500
