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How To Read The Tire Sidewall

Tire Size Example: P235/55R17 98V

P classifies the tire as a Passenger tire, or ‘PMetric. ’ The other most popular designation is LT.  These are commonly used on ‘Light Trucks’ and SUVs.  Be very wary of any tire starting with ST.  This stands for ‘Special Trailer’ and is designed to be used exclusively as a trailer tire.  Never use these on a passenger vehicle.

235 identifies the tire section width, which is the measurement of the tire from sidewall to sidewall.  This is measured in millimeters and can vary depending on the rim it will be mounted on.

55 denotes the aspect ratio of the tire.  This is measured as a percentage which compares the section height with the section width.  In this example, the aspect ratio of 55 means that the tire’s section height is 55% of the section width.

R indicates the tire’s casing has a radial construction.  This is the most commonly-used type of construction in today’s tires.  Other types that are used include B (belted bias) and D (diagonal bias).

17 identifies the rim diameter, measured in inches.

Load Index and Speed Rating

98VThis alphanumeric code describes the load index and speed rating of the tire.  The load index indicates the maximum capacity the tire can support when properly inflated.  This numeric value corresponds to a specific range on the load index chart, shown below:

Load Index Pounds Kilograms Load Index Pounds Kilograms
71 761 345 91 1356 615
72 783 355 92 1389 630
73 805 365 93 1433 650
74 827 375 94 1477 670
75 853 387 95 1521 690
76 882 400 96 1565 710
77 908 412 97 1609 730
78 937 425 98 1653 750
79 963 437 99 1709 775
80 992 450 100 1764 800
81 1019 462 101 1819 825
82 1047 475 102 1874 850
83 1074 487 103 1929 875
84 1102 500 104 1984 900
85 1135 515 105 2039 925
86 1168 530 106 2094 950
87 1201 545 107 2149 975
88 1235 560 108 2205 1000
89 1279 580 109 2271 1030
90 1323 600 110 2337 1060

Speed ratings are classified by letters ranging from A to Z.  Each letter indicates a specific maximum speed the tire can maintain under its recommended load capacity as determined by the following chart:

Speed Symbol Speed (mph) Speed (km/h) Use
A1 3 5
A2 6 10
A3 9 15
A4 12 20
A5 16 25
A6 19 30
A7 22 35
A8 25 40
B 31 50
C 37 60
D 40 65
E 43 70
F 50 80
G 56 90
J 62 100
K 68 110
L 75 120 Off-road and light truck tires
M 81 130
N 87 140 Temporary spare tires
P 94 150
Q 100 160 Winter tires
R 106 170 Heavy-duty light truck tires
S 112 180 Family sedans & vans
T 118 190 Family sedans & vans
U 124 200
H 130 210 Sports sedans & coupes
V 149 240 Sports sedans, coupes, & sports cars
W 168 270 Sports cars
Y 186 300 Sports cars
Z 186+ 300+ Sports cars

Traction Rating

Traction Grade Asphalt g force Concrete g force
AA Above .54 .41
A Above .47 .35
B Above .38 .26
C Less than .38 .26

Temperature Rating

Temperature Grade Speed in mph
A Over 115
B Between 100 and 115
C Between 85 and 100

DOT Serial Number
The “DOT” emblem certifies that the tire was manufactured according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s safety standards.  Prior to the year 2000, three numbers were used to identify the date of manufacture: the first two noting the week (1-52) and the last number telling the year.  Since 2000, four numbers are used with the year identified by 2 numbers.

Myrtle Beach Auto Repair

Archer's Action Auto is a Myrtle Beach auto repair shop located between the city of Conway and the city of Myrtle Beach. With highly qualified mechanics and technicians, Archer's Action Auto handles oil changes, car repairs, tire rotation, engine swaps, transmission work, wiper blades, brakes tune-ups, cooling systems, check engine lights, timing belts, headlight and taillight replacement, suspension, differentials, air conditioning, heating, wheel alignment, and sells tires. Archer's Action Auto has been in business for over 40 years.

103 Gardner Lacy Rd, • Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
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