What Do Tire Numbers Mean?

Have you ever found yourself staring in bewilderment at all the numbers on the side of your car’s tire, when all you want to know is how much air pressure to put in it? What do tire numbers mean? Our service center experts can easily decipher each tire number, meaning we can take the mystery out of it for you. After all, no one wants to find themselves stranded somewhere in the Concord area with a flat tire. So, let’s answer the question, what do the numbers on tires mean?

What Do the Numbers on Tires Mean?

The numbers found on the side of tires have been a source of confusion for many Monroe drivers. So, what do the numbers on tires mean? The numbers on the side of your tires fall into two main categories: size and air pressure. Each category is identified by the letters that accompany them. So, the next time you’re wondering, “What do tire numbers mean?”, check the number against the list below.

Tire Number Meaning – Size

What do tire numbers mean when they’re formatted like “P225/50R16” or “225/50R16”? These numbers indicate the size of the tire. Here’s a guide to what they mean:

Before the Forward Slash “/”

• P – Passenger vehicle
• T – Temporary spare
• LT – Light truck
• ST – Special trailer service
• Three-digit number – This is the section width of the tire in millimeters.

After the Forward Slash “/”

• Two-digit number – This is the sidewall aspect ratio (sidewall height from rim to tread)
• Letter after the sidewall aspect ratio – indicates internal construction of the tire
• R – Radial
• D – Diagonal or bias ply
• B – Belted
• Number after the internal construction letter – rim size in inches

Tire Number Meaning – Air Pressure

There are other numbers on your tire that are important to know, especially when you stop at a Pineville gas station to air up your tires. What do tire numbers mean when they follow the phrase “Max PSI?” “PSI” stands for “Pounds per Square Inch” and refers to air pressure. Never inflate your tires beyond this number. For the recommended PSI, check the sticker on the inside of the driver’s door or your owner’s manual.

Let the Tire Experts at Hendrick Cadillac Monroe Help

If you’re having trouble finding the right tires for your car, check out our online tire finder tool. The trained professionals in our service center are here to help with any sort of tire service, like rotation, topping off the air pressure, you name it. We’re conveniently located in the Charlotte area. So, drop by or contact us today!