What Do Tire Numbers & Symbols Mean?

If you’ve ever taken a closer look at your tires, you’ll notice a series of numbers along the sidewalls. For drivers trying to figure out how to read tire numbers, the tire number designates everything from the size and type of tire to the particular performance purpose of the tire in question. Read on for a thorough answer to the question, “What do tire numbers mean?” Then get in touch with the tire center at Jaguar Palm Beach if you still have questions or are in need of tire assistance.

Determining Jaguar Tire Number Meanings

What do tire numbers mean? The different numbers and letters along your tire’s sidewall can indicate everything from size to speed rating to load index to the type of tire your vehicle needs for optimum performance on Delray Beach streets. Let’s break down an example, so you can learn how to read tire numbers:

Example: P215/65R15 95H

Decoding “P”

This represents “P-Metric tire,” meaning that it is a tire used for passenger vehicles. Other designations at this spot in the series could be “LT” for “Light Truck” or no letter at all, which means it’s a European tire.

Decoding “215”

After the “P” comes the number “215.” This is a millimeter measurement of the width of your tire from one sidewall to the other.

Decoding “65”

Next up is the ratio code, “65.” This refers to the height of a tire’s cross-section to its width. In layman’s terms, it tells you how large the sidewall of the tire is. The “65” indicates that the height of the tire is equal to 65% of its width.

Decoding “R”

The “R” indicates the tire’s construction, with “R” representing that it’s a radial.

Decoding “15”

This number in the series indicates the diameter of your wheel, “15”; in this case, it means that the tire is meant for a 15-inch wheel.

Decoding “95H”

At the end of the code is “95H.” This is the load index and the speed rating for the tire. Load index means the amount of weight a tire can support. The range from this number is between 75-105 for passenger vehicles. “H” is the speed rating and indicates how fast the tire can go given its load capacity. This rating goes from A-Z. The “H” rating, here, can reach up to 130 mph.

Get the Jaguar Tires You Need in West Palm Beach

So what do the numbers on tires mean? It turns out they provide us with a lot of different pieces of important information! If you’re having trouble making sense of the above tire number meaning guide, you can always contact Jaguar Palm Beach for help. Our tire specialists will identify the right tires that you need for your vehicle. Call us at (866) 374-8184 and don’t forget to check out our parts specials! While you’re here, be sure to explore our parts tips for other informative reads about how to make your tires last longer and the appropriate tire pressure for Jaguar vehicles.