Example: P225/50R16 92V
"P" means this is a passenger
car tire (as opposed to a tire made for a truck or other
vehicle). P-metric is the U.S. version of a metric tire-sizing
system.
"225" Section Width: The
width of the tire in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall.
This measurement varies depending on the width of the
rim to which the tire is fitted: larger on a wider rim,
smaller on a narrow rim. The number on the side of tire
indicates the width measured with the tire fitted to
the recommended rim width.
"50" Aspect Ratio: The
ratio of height to width; this tire's height is 50%
of its width.
"R" Construction: How the
plies are constructed in the tire carcass. "R"
means radial. "B" in place of the "R"
means the tire is belted bias construction. "D"
in place of the "R" means diagonal bias construction.
"16" Rim Diameter: The
diameter of the wheel in inches.
"92" Load Index: Load Index
is a rating which reflects the load capacity of the
tire. This tire has a load capacity of 1,389 lbs. For
a complete listing see the chart under Load Index and
Speed Rating.
"V" Speed Rating: This
tire has an industry-standard maximum service speed
of 149 mph. Tires using an older European system carry
the speed rating in the size description: 215/65HR15.
Different letters correspond to different maximum service
speeds.
The letters "DOT" certify
compliance with all applicable safety standards established
by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Adjacent
to this is a tire identification or serial number; a
combination of numbers and letters with up to 12 digits.
The sidewall also shows the type
of cord and number of plies in the sidewall and under
the tread.
Light Truck Sidewall Information
"LT" stands for Light Truck
"LT235/85R16" is the size
designation for a metric light truck tire
"LOAD RANGE" identifies
the load and inflation limits
"RADIAL" indicates that
the tire has a radial construction "MAX. LOAD SINGLE
2623 lbs. AT 65 psi COLD" indicates the maximum
load rating of the tire and corresponding minimum cold
inflation pressure when used in a dual configuration.
The other markings on the sidewall
have the same meaning as described for the passenger
car tire.
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