The document provides information on how to read and understand tire codes. It explains that tire sidewalls are engraved with codes that provide details about the tire such as brand, type (tube or tubeless), grade, speed rating, load capacity, and inflation level. It then reviews the meaning of each part of a sample tire code - P245/65R16 102T. Specifically, it explains that "P245" indicates the tire width and aspect ratio, "R16" specifies the rim diameter and construction type, "102" is the load index rating, and "T" is the speed rating. It stresses that the production date on the tire sidewall is also important for determining tire life.

1. How to Read Tire Codes and
Understand What They Mean

2. Example P245/65/16 102T
You will find a series of codes that is engraved into each side wall
of every tire, that represents useful information to the consumer
regarding that specific tire, such as brand of the tire, whether it is
a tubeless or a tube type, tire grade, speed rating, maximum load
and maximum inflation. lets review what each series of codes
stand for, whether it is a passenger tire, light duty, SUV tire, or a
trailer tire.

3. The first letter we see is a "P" this means that this
specific tire is manufactured for a passenger car as
opposed for a tire that is made for a truck or other
vehicles. The P-metric is the US version of a metric tiresizing system. "LT" designates the tire is a light duty
truck or SUV tire also we have an "ST", which is
specifically manufactured for trailers and large payloads

4. "245" Section Width:
This is the measurement of the width of the tire
measured in millimeters from sidewall to
sidewall. This all depends on the width of the rim
the tire will be mounted to, larger on a wider rim
and smaller on a narrow rim. This calculation is
measured with the tire fitted to the tire tires
manufacturers recommended rim width.

5. "65" Aspect Ratio:
The ratio of height to width, in this case the
tire's height is 65 percent of it's width.

6. "R"Construction:
This provides you with information on how the
piles are constructed in the tire carcass or you
may also found these other letters in place of
the "R".

7. "B" in place of the "R"
Means that this tire is a belt bias type of
construction.

8. "D" In place of the "R"
Means that this bios diagonal bias
construction.

9. The majority of the modern cars and
SUV's use radial tires.

10. "16" Rim Diameter:
This is the diameter of your Steel or Aluminum
Rim, that the tire will be mounted on.

11. "102" Load Index:
This tire has an industry-standard maximum of 1,874
pounds. Different numbers will correspond to
different loads. The maximum load is shown in lbs
(pounds) and in kg (kilograms), and maximum
pressure in PSI (pounds per square inch) or in kPa
(kilopascals).

12. "T" Speed rating:
This tire has an industry-standard maximum
service speed of 118 mph or 188 KLM. Tires
that use an older European system carry the
speed rating in the size description:

13. 205/60/R16 92 H, again different letters would
indicate different speed ratings for that specific
tire

14. Here are some of the most conman speed
ratings,
you will encounter when your buying
a set of tires.

15. Rating Max Speed
Q 99 mph or 158 klm,
S 112 mph or 179 klm,
T 118 mph or 189 klm,
U 124 mph or 198 klm,
H 130 mph or 208 klm,
V 149 mph or 238 klm,
W 168 mph or 269 klm,
Y 186 mph or 298 klm,
Z Above 149 mph or 238 klm

16. Speed Rating Chart

17. One other piece of information a consumer should also check out
is the date that the tire was manufactured, you will also find this
information on the side wall of your tire. Misconception of tires is
not how much tread is left; but when it was produced will
determine how much life the tire will have.

18. This is the end result when the tire is old and the compounds in the
tire have dried up. View the picture of a three month old tire that a
consumer purchased. Thinking and investing in a current year tire,
what you would expect, not at a 2 year old tire.

19. Joseph F. Botelho Profile
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