What do tire codes mean?

Automotive tires are described by an alphanumeric tire code (in North American English) or tyre code (in Commonwealth English), which is generally molded into the sidewall of the tire. This code specifies the dimensions of the tire, and some of its key limitations, such as load-bearing ability, and maximum speed.

What do tire letters and numbers mean?

The number is the load rating, or the amount of weight that it can handle. The letter is the speed rating, or the maximum speed the tire is built for. As an example, a tire rated 90R could safely carry 1,323 pounds and travel at 106 mph. Consult a load and speed index to find out what your tire's specific rating means.

How do you read a tire code?

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.

What do the 3 numbers for tires mean?

B: TIRE WIDTH The three-digit number following the letter is the tire's width (from side to side, looking at the tire head on) in millimeters. This may also be referred to as the section width. C: ASPECT RATIO The forward slash separates the tire width number from the two-digit aspect ratio.

What does C mean on tires?

The C-Type tire, on the other hand, is specifically meant as a commercial-rated tire, with a higher load rating for a given size than many LT tires. These C-Type tires will show the letter “C” immediately after the wheel diameter in the tire code.

The Ultimate Guide To Tire Sidewalls - How Good Are Your Tires?

What does the T or H mean on tires?

The “T” or “H” on tires pertain to their speed ratings. A T-rated tire can withstand top speeds of up to 118 mph (190 km/h), while an H-rated tire can support up to 130 mph (210 km/h). It is important to note these markings and stay within those speed limits.

How do you date code tires?

The last four numbers represent the manufacturer's date. The first two numbers indicate the week, while the last two indicate the year. (For example, a tire with the number 2910 was manufactured in the 29th week of 2010.)

What does p235 55R19 mean?

235/55R19 tires are 29.2″ tall, have a section width of 9.3″, and fit wheels with a diameter of 19. The circumference is 91.6″ that translates into 692 revolutions per mile. As a rule, they can be mounted on the wheels with 19″ x 6.5-8.5″ rim width. In the high flotation system, the equivalent tire size is 29.2×9.3R19.

Can I use ZR tires instead of R?

R indicates that the structure is RADIAL. So, VR indicates that the tyre has a RADIAL structure and a speed index equal to V. There is therefore no difference between a ZR or an R tyre with the same speed index.

What does the D and R mean on tires?

R indicates the construction used within the tires casing. R stands for radial construction. B means belted bias and D stands for diagonal bias construction. 16 The last dimension listed in the size is the diameter of the wheel rim, which is most often measured in inches.

What does the letter D mean on tires?

The D indicates that the tire is a diagonal bias ply construction and the R indicates that the tire is a radial tire construction. Beyond the size and type, there are load ranges for tires. Most trailer tires are load range B, C or D.

What does XL mean on a tire?

XL (or Reinforced) tyres are 'extra load' tyres – they indicate that a tyre is reinforced to be able to withstand a higher load than other tyres of the same size.

Are ZR tires run flat?

All ZRtyres locations carry a massive range of Run-flat tyres in stock for all popular makes and model of cars, as well as having the correct tyre fitting and balancing equipment to fit these specialist tyres correctly without damage.

Are ZR tires good for winter?

NO, the rubber will be hard as a rock at low temp, and the rubber compound is hydrophobic, vs. hydrolphilic (I may have that reversed). Summer tires are crap in the winter, winter tires are crap in the summer, all season tires are crap all the time. great post.

Are ZR rated tires good?

That's well below the speed limit of most states, unless you're planning on bringing your commuter on the Autobahn. ZR-Rated Tires: The ZR rating (or Z rating) indicates anything above the V rating (168 mph), so it includes both the Y and W speed rating. Sports cars will often get the best handling with these tires.

What is the difference between H and V speed rating?

An “H” rated tire is designed to operate at a maximum speed of 130 mph. A “V” rated tire on the other hand is designed to operate at a maximum speed of 149 mph, almost twenty miles an hour more than the “H” rated tire.

What does 55r19 mean?

55. This number means that your tire has an aspect ratio of 55%. In other words, your tire's sidewall height (from the edge of the rim to the tire's tread) is 55% of the width. In this case, the sidewall height is 0 millimeters.

How tall is a 295 tire?

295/70R17 tires are 33.3″ tall, have a section width of 11.6″, and fit wheels with a diameter of 17. The circumference is 104.4″ that translates into 607 revolutions per mile.

How many years do tires expire?

It may be tentative, but tires do have an expiration date. There is a general consensus that most tires should be inspected, if not replaced, at about six years and should be absolutely be swapped out after 10 years, regardless of how much tread they have left.

How many years is a tire good for?

On average, people drive between 12,000 to 15,000 miles a year, which means the average good quality all-season tire will last somewhere between three and five years, depending on maintenance, driving style and conditions, etc.

Are 4 year old tires still good?

We recommend replacing tires aged 6-10 years, no matter how much tread remains. When it comes to replacing tires, things can be a little unpredictable. Mileage, condition and routine maintenance all contribute to the tire's safety and usability. You should replace them if you think they may have compromised integrity.

Can you mix T and H rated tires?

Just remember, never mix and match tires with different speed ratings on your vehicle. This will cause major problems with the handling of your vehicle. If tires of different speed ratings are mounted on a vehicle, the lower speed-rated tires should be placed on the front axle, regardless of which axle is driven.

Can I use H rated tires instead of V?

A V-rated car requires a tire designed to operate to a maximum of 149 mph and can thus not be fitted with an H-rated tire.

What does R mean on a tire?

“R” stands for the construction method of the tire indicating the tire is a radial tire. The following two numbers (16) indicate the diameter of the wheel rim in inches. The next two or three numbers (94) indicate the load index of the tire. In the example, 94 means the tire can carry 670kg.

Do I need ZR tires?

Tires with a maximum speed capability higher than 300 km/h (186 mph), require a "ZR" in the size designation. Consult the tire manufacturer for maximum speed when there is no service description.