What Do Tire Numbers Mean?

Closeup of Tire Numbers with Wheel Rim

You’ve more than likely seen some combination of numbers and letters on a tire. What do tire numbers mean, exactly? The numbers and letters indicate different aspects of the tire. Our service center is here to fill you in on the tire number meanings. So, if you need a new set of tires and are wondering which ones are the right tires for your Honda vehicle, keep reading to learn more about the different tire specs. 

Determining Tire Number Meanings

Tires are labled with a series of letters and numbers to convey the size, speed rating, load index, and more. This is an example code of a tire code: 

Example: P215/65R15 95H

Each part of the code represents a different piece of information about the tire, so drivers or service center technicians can choose the correct tire for a model like the Honda Passport, Honda Civic, or Honda Accord. 

Decoding “P”

The “P” stands for “P-Metric tire.” The “P” means that the tire is suited for passenger vehicles. If your tires read “LT” instead, this stands for “light truck,” which means it was designed for light-weight pickup trucks. 

Decoding “215”

In the example above, “215” stands for the width of the tire in millimeters — and that’s from sidewall to sidewall. 

Decoding “65”

The number that follows the slash in the code is the aspect ration. In the example above, that number is “65.” This represents the height of the tire’s cross-section to its width. So, in the example code above, the height is equal to 65% of the tire’s width. Bigger sidewalls equate to bigger aspect ratios. 

Decoding “R”

The “R” conveys the tire’s construction. For example, “R” tells us the tire is a radial, which means the cords are laid bead to bead at 90 degrees that run perpendicular to the direction the car is traveling in. 

Decoding “15”

The number “15” points to the wheel size, which is 15 inches. 

Decoding “95H”

The end of the code tells us the load index, which is “95H.” Load index is how much a tire can support when it’s inflated with the correct PSI. For passenger vehicles, load index can range from 75-105. The “H” tells us the speed rating, or how fast the tire can travel safely within its load index. Speed rating is ranked from A-Z. The “H” in the code above indicates that this tire has a maximum speed of 130 mph.

How to Check Tire Pressure 

Keeping your tires properly inflated is one easiest ways to get the most out of your tires. Properly inflated tires help improve performance, safety, and fuel economy. Your Honda vehicle’s Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) will alert you when tire pressure is low, so you can inflate your tires to the proper PSI. You can top your tire pressure up at a local gas station or schedule a service visit at Parkway Honda! 

Rely on Parkway Honda for Your Tire Numbers 

Do you need a new set of tires, or has your Tire Pressure Monitoring System alerted you about low air pressure in your tires? The service center at Parkway Honda can address all of your tire needs. Contact us online or call us at 330-364-8661 to learn more about our tire services and to ask about our service specials

 

More from Parkway Honda

Saved Vehicles

You don't have any saved vehicles!

Look for this Save icon

Once you've saved some vehicles, you can view them here at any time.

Menu

Get Directions

855 Commercial Parkway, Dover, OH, 44622
Parkway Honda 40.521606, -81.488602.