How do I read the sidewall of my tire?
On the sidewall of every tire, there's a great deal of information that identifies its construction and capabilities.
Example: P185/75R14 82S
| P | Service type: Indicates this is a passenger vehicle tire, as opposed to a tire made for a light truck (LT) or other vehicle. |
| 185 | Section Width: The width of the tire in millimetres from sidewall to sidewall. This measurement varies depending on the width of the rim to which the tire is fitted: larger on a wider rim, smaller on a narrow rim. The number on the side of the tire indicates the width measured with the tire fitted to the recommended rim width. |
| 75 | Aspect Ratio: The ratio of height to width. This tire's height is 75% of its width. |
| R | Internal Construction: How the plies are constructed in the tire carcass. "R" means radial. "B" in place of the "R" means the tire is belted bias construction. "D" in place of the "R" means diagonal bias construction. |
| 14 | Rim Diameter: The diameter of the wheel in inches. |
| 82 | Load Index: This tire has an industry-standard maximum load of 475 kg (1,047 lbs.) Different load index numbers correspond to different maximum loads. The maximum load is shown in lbs. (pounds) and in kg (kilograms), and maximum pressure in PSI (pounds per square inch) and in kPa (kilopascals). |
| S | Speed Rating: This tire has an industry-standard maximum service speed of 130 mph. Different letters correspond to different maximum service speeds. |