Have you ever looked at the side of your tire and wondered what all those numbers and letters mean? Knowing how to read the markings on your tire sidewall can tell you important information about your tires and help ensure you're using the right type of tire for your vehicle near Florence, KY. Let's look at what the numbers on the sidewall mean.
Tire Size
The first number on your tire sidewall is the tire size. This series of numbers and letters indicates the tire's width, aspect ratio, construction type, and wheel diameter. For example, if Lawrenceburg, IN drivers, see "P215/65R15-inch on your tire, this means the tire is designed for passenger vehicles (P), has a width of 215 millimeters, an aspect ratio of 65 percent, is a radial construction (R), and fits a 15-inch wheel.
Load Index and Speed Rating
Following the tire size, you'll see a number and letter that indicate the tire's load index and speed rating. The load index is a number that corresponds to the maximum weight the tire can support when properly inflated. The speed rating is a letter that indicates the maximum speed the tire can safely handle. If you frequently drive on highways around Cincinnati, you may want to opt for tires with a higher speed rating.
Manufacturing Date
Another important number on your tire sidewall is the manufacturing date. This is a four-digit number that indicates when the tire was produced. The first two digits represent the week of the year, and the last two digits represent the year. For example, if you see "2320-inch on your tire, it was manufactured in the 23rd week of 2020. Knowing the age of your tires can help you determine when it's time for a replacement. If you're not sure how old your tires are, bring your vehicle to our service center near Batesville, IN, and we can check for you.
Treadwear, Traction, and Temperature Ratings
You may also see a series of numbers and letters on your tire sidewall that indicate the tire's treadwear, traction, and temperature ratings. The treadwear rating is a number that represents how long the tire is expected to last compared to a standard test tire. The higher the number, the longer the tire should last. The traction rating (AA, A, B, or C) indicates how well the tire performs in wet conditions. The temperature rating is also a letter (A, B, or C) that indicates how well the tire resists heat buildup. If you frequently drive in rainy weather around Hebron, KY, you may want to choose tires with a higher traction rating.
Knowing how to read the numbers on your tire sidewall can help you make informed decisions about your tires. If you have any questions about your tires or need assistance with tire maintenance or replacement, stop by Jeff Wyler Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Lawrenceburg's service center.