Reading The Tyre Size On Your Vehicle

You can read your tire size by checking the sequence of letters and numbers printed on the sidewall — for example, P215/65R15 95H. Each part tells you something specific about the tire: 

1. Type (P, LT, T, or no letter) – The first letter shows what type of vehicle the tire is for: 
P = passenger car 
LT = light truck 
T = temporary spare 
No letter = metric (common on European vehicles)

2. Width (215) – The three-digit number is the width in millimeters, measured from sidewall to sidewall.

3. Aspect ratio (65) – The two-digit number after the slash is the sidewall height as a percentage of the tire’s width. Here, the sidewall is 65% as tall as the tire is wide. 
4. Construction (R) – This indicates the internal construction: 
R = radial (most common today) 
B or D = bias or diagonal ply

5. Rim diameter (15) – The number after the construction letter shows the wheel size in inches—so this tire fits a 15-inch wheel rim.

6. Load index (95) – This code refers to how much weight each tire can safely carry. (For example, 95 = 1,521 lbs.)

7. Speed rating (H) – The final letter indicates the maximum safe speed for that tire. (H = up to 130 mph, V = 149 mph, etc.)

A. If you can’t read your tire’s sidewall easily, you can also find tire size in a few other places: 
B. Inside the driver’s door jamb (sticker or placard) 
C. Inside the glove box door 
D. On your fuel hatch 
E. In your owner’s manual