For car owners, understanding how to read tire sizes is crucial for vehicle performance, fuel efficiency, and safety. To read tire sizes, scan the tire's side to find a series of numbers and letters. The first letter indicates the type of vehicle the tire is designed for, with "P" representing passenger vehicles, "LT" stands for light trucks, and "T" representing temporary or spare tires.
The three-digit number following the first letter represents the tire's width in millimeters, and the next two-digit number is the aspect ratio—the tire's height-to-width ratio. The letter following the aspect ratio communicates the tire's construction type, with "R" representing radial construction, the most frequent tire construction type.
The two-digit number following the construction letter is the tire's diameter in inches. In contrast, the final number is the tire's load index and speed rating, indicating the maximum load capacity and speed the tire can handle.
It is essential to remember that tires aren't universal, with various vehicles requiring different tire sizes. Therefore, consult your vehicle's owner's manual, or talk to a professional at Ruxer Truck Center to ensure you're using the right tire size.