Question: How To Read Tire Rating Numbers

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.

How do you read a tire rating?

A tire’s speed rating indicates the optimal speed that the tire can safely maintain over time. In short, it’s the fastest speed a tire can handle before it no longer performs as designed. The higher the speed rating, the better control and handling you’ll have at higher speeds.

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 235 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.

Which tire is bigger 225 or 235?

The main difference between 225 and 235 tires is that the width of 225 tires is 225mm. On the other hand, 235 tires have a width of 235mm. 225 tires are mostly recommended for smaller cars while 235 tires are recommended for bigger cars. 225 tires are 225mm wide tires that are generally used for light vehicles.

How do you decode tires?

What does XL mean on a tire?

XL tyres have been especially developed for use with heavy loads. Generally speaking, the tyre name XL is used for heavy duty tyres. However, the labelling varies between tyre manufacturers. Sometimes you might have XL tyres that are also labelled “reinforced” (RF or RFD), or models labelled EL (Extra Load).

What does 104 t mean on tires?

Those numbers refer to the load and speed ratings of the tires. In your first example 104T would mean that tire has a load carrying capacity of 2000 pounds (900kg) and a speed rating of 118 miles per hour (190 km/h). As the letters and numbers go up their respective scales the load rating and speed rating go up.

What does 85T mean on tires?

MRF ZTX 165/80 R14 85T Specifications 85 is the load index i.e. the maximum weight each tyre can carry at full speed. T is the speed rating i.e. the maximum speed for the tyre at full load.

What is load range H?

Truck tires typically come in two load ratings: G and H. Load range G is a 14-ply configuration, while load range H tires have 16 plies. The heavier-rated tire will usually add between 700 pounds and 1,000 pounds more load-bearing capacity per tire (see “How Much is Too Much,” next page).

Can I use 60 instead of 55 tires?

Most likely yes. The 55 or 60 in this case is the aspect ratio. It’s how tall the tire is as a percentage of its width. A 60 means the tire’s sidewall height is 60% of the width of the tire.

Which tire is taller 235 or 245?

It is obvious that 245 is bigger than 235, still, both tires’ sizes are pretty common and could be interchangeable at times.

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 tire is wider 70 or 75?

The aspect ratio is a percentage of the section width. So if you have a 70-series tire, that means the sidewall height is 70 percent of the tire’s overall width. The “75” is the aspect ratio, and it indicates that the tire’s sidewall height is 75 percent of the claimed 205mm section width.

Can I use 235 60r18 instead of 225 60r18?

Yes they will be slightly wider and will have a slightly higher diameter.

Is wider tires better?

Overall, wider tires are better for dry surfaces and for high-performance vehicles. Greater surface area allows for better day-to-day traction and durability.

What do all the numbers mean on a tire?

Every tire has 3 numbers that mean a specific size: The bigger the aspect ratio, the larger the sidewall of the tire. The last number, 15, is the rim diameter of the wheel that the tire will fit. The tire letter meaning refers to the construction of the tire: R for radial, D for diagonal, and RF for run-flat.

What does 75 mean on a tire?

75—This is the tire’s aspect ratio, comparing the tire’s height to its width. For this tire, it means its height is 75 percent of its width. R—This defines the construction within the tire. “R” stands for radial. “B” means belted bias and “D” stands for diagonal bias construction.

Will a 65 tire fit a 60?

Yes, the only real difference is that ratio between the tread width and the height of the sidewall will change. The lower the middle number the lower the profile of the tire the larger the number the higher the tire profile.

What does SL and XL mean on tires?

For example, a “C” load range indicates that a tire is equivalent to a 6-ply construction tire. However, you may find these tires marked as Standard Load (SL) or Extra Load (XL or Reinforced). Both have a 4-ply rating, but the Extra Load can support additional load at up to 42 PSI while the Standard Load is 36 PSI.

Do cars need XL tires?

The XL stands for eXtra Load and means the sidewalls of the tire are stronger and capable of handling heavy load requirements. In many cases it is obvious why you would need XL tires, especially for limousines, trucks and utility vehicles.

What does load range SL mean on a tire?

“Standard load (SL) tires are intended for normal, everyday use. They will either be marked with ‘SL’ after the tire size or not marked at all. Extra load (XL) tires are designed to be able to carry a higher load than Standard Load tires,” explained Mosier of Cooper Tire & Rubber.