Allen Samuels Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram FIAT
Ever noticed the set of numbers that can be found on tires while inspecting your own or shopping for a new set for one of the new Jeep Wrangler configurations? It may seem like a random combination, but these numbers actually have a pretty important meaning! If you’re wondering, “What do the numbers on tires mean?” the experts at Allen Samuels Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram FIAT are here to help. To keep it short, tire numbers indicate the size and type of tire you’re looking at, as well as what type of driving it is useful for. Learn more about what tire numbers mean, below.
Tire codes use a series of numbers and letters to tell you the size, load index, speed rating, and type of tire you’re looking at, so you can be sure to choose the right type for your RAM, Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, FIAT vehicle.
For a more in-depth explanation, let’s take a look at a sample code:
P215/65R15 95H
On the surface, this code doesn’t appear to offer any type of information, but if you separate it into sections, you’ll find that it holds all sorts of useful facts.
The “P” stands for “P-Metric tire,” which means it is meant for passenger vehicles. Do your tires say “LT” on them? This stands for “light truck,” meaning the tires are designed for light-weight pickups, like the RAM 1500. If you cannot locate a letter before the numbers, it may be a European tire or a Euro-Metric, which have different load capacities.
Following the “P” is the number “215,” which indicates the tire width in millimeters, from sidewall to sidewall. For this example, the tire width is 215 mm.
Next comes the data that follows the forward slash. This is the aspect ratio code, which in this case, is “65.” What is a tire’s aspect ratio? It accounts for the tire’s cross-section to its width. For our purposes, this tire has an aspect ratio in which the height is equal to 65 percent of the tire’s width. Remember this: the bigger the aspect ratio, the bigger the sidewalls are going to be.
The letter “R” that follows the aspect ratio simply tells you about the tire’s construction. Here, “R” stands for radial.
We’re almost there! After the letter “R,” we see the number “15.” This informs you of the wheel size from end-to-end, indicating what size wheel the tire is meant for. So, this tire is meant for a 15-inch wheel.
Finally, at the end of the code, you see “95H,” which is the load index and speed rating of the tire. The load index indicates the max amount of weight the tire is capable of supporting when fully inflated, and it ranges from 75-105 for passenger vehicles.
The “H” accounts for the speed rating, which tells you how fast you can drive on the tire, based on the load capacity. Speed ratings are ranked from A-Z, and in this case, the “H” rating means that this type of tire is able to support the vehicle up to 130 mph.
If you’re shopping for new tires, the Allen Samuels Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram FIAT parts department has got you covered. Now you know how to read a tire code, but if you still need some help finding your ideal choice, our expert technicians will help.
Making an appointment near Gatesville is easy with our online scheduler, and when you take advantage of our service specials, you can replace old or unevenly worn tires for a price you’ll feel great about when you drive home to Temple, or out to any of Waco’s most interesting museums. If you have any questions, like what is the difference between wheel balancing vs. wheel alignment, feel free to contact us!
