Tire Designations

Tire Size

The following is an example of a typical passenger vehicle tire size.

(A) Passenger (P-Metric) Tire: The United States version of a metric tire sizing system.

(A) Passenger (P-Metric) Tire: The United States version of a metric tire sizing system.

The letter P as the first character in the tire size means a passenger vehicle tire engineered to standards set by the U.S. Tire and Rim Association.

(B) Tire Width: The three-digit number indicates the tire section width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall.

(C) Aspect Ratio: A two-digit number that indicates the tire height-to-width measurements.

For example, if the tire size aspect ratio is 60, as shown in item C of the illustration, it would mean that the tire's sidewall is 60 percent as high as it is wide.

(D) Construction Code: A letter code is used to indicate the type of ply construction in the tire. The letter R means radial ply construction; the letter D means diagonal or bias ply construction; and the letter B means belted-bias ply construction.

(E) Rim Diameter: Diameter of the wheel in inches.

(F) Service Description: These characters represent the load index and speed rating of the tire. The load index represents the load carrying capacity a tire is certified to carry. The speed rating is the maximum speed a tire is certified to carry a load.

    See also:

    Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
    This gage shows the engine coolant temperature. If the pointer moves towards the H (United States) or shaded in thermostat symbol area (Canada), the engine is too hot. A temperature indicator l ...

    XM Messages
    XL (Explicit Language Channels): These channels, or any others, can be blocked by request, by calling 1-800-929-2100 in the U.S., and 1-877-438-9677 in Canada. XM Updating: The encryption c ...

    Automatic Engine Start/Stop Feature
    Vehicles with eAssist have an automatic engine start/stop feature. After the engine is started and has reached operating temperature, the auto stop feature may cause the engine to turn off wh ...