What does the R mean in tire size?

“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.

Does the R in tire size matter?

For example, a tire with a speed rating "S" is rated for up to 112 mph, while a tire rated "R" is up to 106 mph. Remember that this isn't a recommended cruising speed, but rather the maximum speed that tire type can withstand. Of course, you should always follow legal speed limits on roadways.

Does the R in tire size mean rim size?

CONSTRUCTION. After the aspect ratio comes a letter to indicate the tire's construction: P225/70R16 91S. "R" refers to the internal structure of your tire and gives you a general idea of its stability.

What does the P and R mean on tires?

“P” means it's a passenger vehicle tire (tires labeled “LT” are for light trucks), and “R” stands for radial, by far the most common type of tire construction. Most passenger-vehicle and pickup-truck tires come with aspect ratios of 55, 60 or 65.

What does R 18 mean on a tire?

When it says R18, it means that it has a radial-ply construction and it fits an 18-inch rim. A tire can only be installed on a wheel that is identical to its inner diameter.

How to Read a Tire Size

What does 45 R mean on a tire?

The “45” that follows is the aspect ratio - the height of the tire sidewall as a percentage of its width. In our case that means 10.1 cm. Next up is an “R”, which means “radial” – today, radial tires have almost completely replaced the cross-ply tires that were the standard design until the 1980s.

What does 55 R mean on a tire?

So “235” means that the tire has a nominal width of 235 millimeters. The following “55” is the tire wall height as a percentage of the width. So in our example, the actual height in millimeters would be just under 130 mm. Then comes the letter “R” as the identifier for radial tires.

What does the 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 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.

What does V mean on tires?

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 R rated tires?

R speed rating

Speed rating R allows for speeds up to 106 mph (170 km/h) under optimal conditions. Like Q speed rated tires, R rated tires generally prioritize a particular function or unique performance over maximum speed capability.

What does lt265 70R17 mean?

How to read your tire size long description. An arrow points to the numbers 265/70R17 115T on the inner part of the tire sidewall. 265 is the width, 70 is the aspect ratio, R stands for radial, 17 is the wheel diameter and 115T is the load index and speed symbol.

What does p265 65R18 mean?

265/65R18 tires are 31.6″ tall, have a section width of 10.4″, and fit wheels with a diameter of 18. The circumference is 99.1″ that translates into 639 revolutions per mile. As a rule, they can be mounted on the wheels with 18″ x 7.5-9.5″ rim width.

What does 50r mean on tires?

50 is the two-figure aspect ratio. This percentage compares the tire's section height with the tire's section width. For example, this aspect ratio of 50 means that the tire's section height is 50% of the tire's section width. R indicates the construction used within the tires casing. R stands for radial construction.

What does P mean on a tire?

P stands for passenger vehicle tire. P-class tires include cars, SUVs, crossovers, minivans and smaller pickup trucks. LT means light truck tire, designed for vehicles that are capable of carrying heavy loads, towing trailers, or for those looking for an extra heavy duty option.

Can I put wider tires on my stock rims?

As a general rule of thumb, it's safe to fit a tire up to 20 millimeters wider than stock on the original rim. The actual width of the tire will vary depending on the width of the rim: The tire will expand 5 millimeters for every half inch (12.5 millimeters) increase in rim width.

Should I buy H or V rated tires?

If you feel the need to drive at or above 130 mph then you should get a “V” speed rated set of tires. If you don't plan on driving that fast, then an “H” speed rated set is the better option.

Do higher speed rated tires wear faster?

They're also about ride comfort, wear and cornering ability. Typically, the higher the speed rating, the better the grip and stopping power, but the lower the tread life.

What is the difference between Zr and R tires?

ZR tires were historically known as “performance-rated tires” with a speed rating of more than 149 mph while the letter R on a tire represents both the fact that it is built with a radial construction in mind and the fact that it is speed rated for 106mph.

Can I use R tires instead of Zr?

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 Michelin ZR mean?

ZR means the tyre has been designed to be driven at speeds of 150mph and above. As mentioned above, ZR is now categorised as: V - 149mph (240kmph) W - 168mph (270kmph) Y - 186mph (300kmph)

What does r16 mean?

This is indicated in percentage of the tire width. “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.

Can I use 205 60r16 instead of 205 55R16?

Yes. It will have a slightly lower sidewall height, but should work fine.

What does 91 mean on a tire?

Load capacity

The markings 91V are the load index and the speed rating, or the service description. The load index (91) is the assigned numerical value for the tire size to compare relative load carrying capabilities.

What does 40r mean in tires?

The fourth and fifth digit, in this case '40', is located after the width digits. These show the height of the tyre as a percentage of the tyre width. In this case, the profile, sometimes known as the “aspect ratio” is '40', which therefore means that the height of the tyre is 40% of the tyre width.