Tire Labeling
- The tires that came on your vehicle have a number of markings. Those you should be aware of are described as shown.
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Tire Sizes
Whenever tires are replaced, they should be replaced with tires of the same size.
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Following is an example of tire size with an explanation of what each component means.
P205/55 R16 89H
P: Vehicle type (P indicates passenger vehicle).
205: Tire width in millimeters.
55: Aspect ratio (the tire’s section height as a percentage of its width).
R: Tire construction code (R indicates radial).
16: Rim diameter in inches.
89: Load index (a numerical code associated with the maximum load the tire can carry).
H: Speed symbol (an alphabetical code indicating the maximum speed rating).
Tire Identification Number (TIN)
The tire identification number (TIN) is a group of numbers and letters that look like the example in the side column. TIN is located on the sidewall of the tire.
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Glossary of Tire Terminology
Cold Tire Pressure
– The tire air pressure when the vehicle has been parked for at least three hours or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km).Load Rating
– Means the maximum load that a tire is rated to carry for a given inflation pressure.Maximum Inflation Pressure
– The maximum tire air pressure that the tire can hold.Maximum Load Rating
– Means the load rating for a tire at the maximum permissible inflation pressure for that tire.Recommended Inflation Pressure
– The cold tire inflation pressure recommended by the manufacturer.Treadwear Indicators (TWI)
– Means the projections within the principal grooves designed to give a visual indication of the degrees of wear of the tread.