What Do the Numbers and Letters on a Car Tire Mean? Tyre numbers and letters explained!

When you look at the sidewall of a tire, you’ll notice a series of numbers and letters like 215/60/16 - 95H. These aren’t random, but provide important information about the tire’s size and characteristics.

Let’s break down what each part means:

215 – Tyre Width (in millimetres)

The first number, 215, refers to the tire's width in millimetres from sidewall to sidewall. In this case, the tire is 215 mm wide.

The width impacts the tire’s contact with the road, affecting grip, stability, and handling.

60 – Aspect Ratio

The second number, 60, indicates the aspect ratio, which is the height of the tire’s sidewall as a percentage of the tire’s width.

Here, the sidewall height is 60% of the tire’s width.

Tires with a lower aspect ratio (low-profile tires) have shorter sidewalls, offering better performance and stability at high speeds but may sacrifice some comfort.

16 – Wheel Diameter (in inches)

The third number, 16, shows the diameter of the wheel (or rim) that the tire is designed to fit. In this example, the wheel diameter is 16 inches.

It’s essential that the tire’s size matches the diameter of your vehicle’s wheels for proper fitment.

Tyre numbers and letters explained

95 – Load Index

The number 95 represents the load index, which tells you how much weight each tire can support. In this case, a load index of 95 means the tire can carry up to 690 kg.

The load index is crucial for safety, ensuring that the tire can support the weight of your vehicle and any extra load.

H – Speed Rating

The letter H refers to the speed rating, which indicates the maximum speed the tire can safely handle.

A speed rating of H means the tire is rated for speeds up to 210 km/h (130 mph).

This is important for vehicles that drive at higher speeds, ensuring the tire maintains performance and safety.

Summary

In summary, the combination 215/60/16 - 95H provides detailed information about the tire's width, sidewall height, wheel diameter, load capacity, and maximum speed. Understanding these numbers helps you choose the right tire for your vehicle, ensuring optimal performance and safety on the road.

For Reference here is a table of tyre Load index numbers with weight in kilograms and tyre Speed Index rates in Miles and Kilometres.

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