Tire Size Information
Coded information branded on the sidewall of tires provide drivers and technicians with important information regarding a tire's intended use, weight capacity, dimensions, temperature and speed limits. Understanding these tire-sizing codes enables drivers to make informed decisions when purchasing tires.
Other People Are Reading
-
Beginning of Code
-
In tire sizing, the branded code contained on a tire's sidewall usually begins with a single letter that indicates the tire's intended purpose. For instance, tires that begin with a P indicate that the tire is a P-metric size that is intended for use on passenger vehicles including cars, SUVs and minivans. Other letters include T (temporary spare), LT (light truck), C (commercial) and ST (special trailer).
Width
-
Immediately following the first letter of the tire sizing code is a series of three numerals. These numbers are known as the section width and indicate the amount of millimeters (mm) from the widest point of a tire's outer sidewall and the widest point of the tire's inner sidewall.
-
Other Aspects
-
Other aspects of tire sizing that are contained in the imprinted code on a tire's sidewall are internal construction, tire and wheel diameter, sidewall aspect ratio, service description and speed rating. When choosing a tire, it is advantageous to be familiar with the meanings contained within a tire-sizing code.
-
References
- Photo Credit tire image by Orlando Florin Rosu from Fotolia.com
