What does P mean on tires?

P identifies your tire as a Passenger Tire. The P stands for PMetric. If your tire size starts with LT rather than a P than it identifies the tire as a Light Truck tire. 225 identifies the tire section width, which is the measurement of the tire from sidewall to sidewall in millimeters.

Does the P in tire size matter?

The "P" is short for "P-metric," which is a designation by the Tire and Rim Association for a "passenger car" tire type. A "P" signifies the tire was designed to primarily be used on passenger vehicles, which can include cars, minivans, SUV's and other light-duty pickup trucks.

What does P and LT mean on tires?

LT-metric tires are used for rougher driving conditions. You'll find these tires on SUVs, pickups, and vans that tend to haul a heavier load and travel in more off-road conditions. P-metric tires offer a quieter, smoother, and more comfortable ride.

Can I put P tires on my truck?

By the same token, a P-Metric tire may be acceptable for a light truck or SUV application, providing the tire offers sufficient load rating (to handle vehicle weight), and providing the vehicle won't be driven in an off-road situation.

What ply tire is P?

If you don't see a Load Range or Ply Rating, you might find the letters P (passenger rated, which is 4-ply rated or lower), LT (light truck, which is 6-ply rated or higher), or XL (extra load is typically 4-ply rated with a higher-than-standard Load Index) stamped on the tires.

How to Read a Tire Size

Can I tow with P rated tires?

P Rating doesn't matter as far as weight is concerned. The weight is in the trailer. Where the tires come into play is trailer sway.

Is a higher ply tire better?

The more ply, the more sidewall strength. When your sidewall isn't strong enough, the load squashes the tires down into the road. The tread then pushes into the ground and spreads out in a way that was never intended by the manufacturer, leading to a blowout.

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 really need LT tires?

Vehicles like ¾ ton or larger pickup trucks, work vans and trucks, and other large vehicles that regularly carry heavy loads or pull heavy trailers will need Light Truck (LT) tires.

Do LT tires need more air pressure?

Size-for-size, compared to P-metric tires, LT tires require higher air pressures to carry equivalent loads. Failure to adjust air pressures to achieve the vehicle's load requirement will result in tire fatigue and eventual tire failure due to excessive heat build-up.

What's the best speed rating for tires?

As manufacturers developed bigger and better tires, it became necessary to regulate performance at standardized speeds to ensure safety. The "Limited V" category of 250 km/h (149 mph) was then created, and eventually the "Z" speed rating was added as the top speed rating.

Are LT tires good for snow?

However, the rubber compound in LT and high flotation sizes intended for commercial or heavy off-road use is “tougher” in order to deal with heavy loads and difficult terrain. “They are maximized for snow and ice traction, always keeping in mind the job they need to do,” says Golab.

Is P225 the same as 225?

Tire width always refers to the measurement from one sidewall to another. Thus, a tire with the measurement “P225” is for a passenger vehicle and has a nominal width of 225 millimeters.

Can you mix LT and P tires?

So long as the outside diameter is the same, no worries. So long as the outside diameter is the same, no worries. That's what I figured, thanks! P-rated probably increases payload by 20 lbs too compared to an LT tire!

What is P in front of tire size?

A: TIRE TYPE The first letter in the code tells you what class of tire it is. P stands for passenger vehicle tire. P-class tires include cars, SUVs, crossovers, minivans and smaller pickup trucks.

What does Z mean on tires?

Some manufacturers will insert a “Z” in the middle of the tire size description (right after the aspect ratio) when the tire is rated at “W” or “Y.” And if a tire is rated in excess of 186 mph (300 kph), manufacturer's usually will list a “Z” within the size description, per industry standards.

What does Q mean on a tire?

Tires with a Q speed rating can safely sustain speeds of up to 99 miles per hour. The tire may be able to reach higher speeds, but traveling at speeds higher than 99 mph for any length of time would be unsafe - the tire is not designed to handle it.

What does V mean on a tire?

V - Speed ratings are represented by letters ranging from A to Z. Each letter coincides to the maximum speed a tire can sustain under its recommended load capacity. For instance, V is equivalent to a maximum speed of 149 mph.

What's better load range D or E?

Expert Reply: Load range D has a capacity of 1,220 lbs at 65 psi, whereas load range E has a capacity of 1,520 lbs at 80 psi. Basically the only difference between the two is the weight capacity.

Are all Load Range E tires 10 ply?

To summarize: ply ratings and load ratings are systems of measurement for load carrying capacity. Load Range E tires are equivalent to a 10-ply tire.

Are 10 ply tires better?

10-ply tires are way beefier than 4-ply tires which means that they ought to last a lot longer if used for off-roading, hauling, or towing purposes. 10 ply tires excel when it comes to towing and hauling because they are better able to control the load without swaying at speed.

What is the most puncture resistant car tire?

An innovative technology that eliminates any risk of punctures. Unveiled by Michelin last June at the "Movin' On 2019" summit dedicated to sustainable mobility, Michelin UPTIS, the airless tire, represents a major innovation both in terms of safety and respect for the environment.

Can I tow with 8 ply tires?

That may not sound like much, but the 8 ply tire is much better in overall towing performance. It holds up to the stresses better. The sideway is also stiffer, I think these have 3 ply sidewalls, which also holds up better. Truck manufacturers really should never put passenger tires on any full-size truck.

Which is better 6 ply or 8 ply tires?

Actually the 6 ply will last longer than the 8 ply. The reason is the extra size of the body plies in a trailer tire will actually produce more heat while rolling than a 6 ply rated tire. I definately recommend radila and not bias ply construction. Radial tires wear much better.