For example, the number may read P225/70-R15, 89H:
P = Passenger Tire (LT = Light Truck)
225 = Overall width of the tire in millimeters
70 = Sidewall height (distance from rim to tread) as a percentage of the thread width (known as aspect ratio)
R = Tire construction, this one is Radial (also, B = Belted Bias, D = Diagonal Bias
15 = Represents the size of the wheel in inches
In this example, the tire has the number 89H. This is the weight capacity of the tire. However, in most cases, you will not see this heading on the sidewall.
A speed rating is sometimes put in front of the R (or B or D). A straight R rating means that it is rated for speeds of up to 100mph. The manufacturer does not recommended this tire for speeds greater than 100 mph. Other speed ratings are: S=112mph, T=118mph, U=124mph, H=130mph, V=149mph, & a Z rated tire is for speeds in excess of 149mph.
The V and Z rated tires have excellent dry pavement grip/traction but due to their soft rubber compounds, do not have a long life.
A tread rating indicates how long a tire should last. This figure is written in small letters on the sidewall of your tire. The higher the number, the longer the tire should last. 100 is the basic tread wear rating.
The traction rating works just like grading – ‘A’ being the best, ‘B’ is good, and ‘C’ is acceptable. This number is also found on the sidewall.
Temperature ratings work the same – ‘A’ best, ‘B’ good, ‘C’ acceptable. If you drive your car very hard, you want a temperature rating of ‘A’ because a ‘C’ would fail faster under these conditions. Again, look for this number on the sidewall.
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