Tire Identification

Tire type, size, load index and speed rating are encoded in the letters and numbers imprinted on the side wall of the tire. Refer to the TIRE IDENTIFICATION chart to decipher the code. For example purposes, the tire size P225/60 R 16 97 T is used in the chart. An All Season type tire will also have either M + S, M & S or M - S (indicating mud and snow traction) imprinted on the side wall. An Extra or Light Load marking "XL" or "LL" may also be listed on the sidewall. The absence of an "XL" or "LL" marking infers a standard load tire.

TIRE IDENTIFICATION

P	TIRE TYPE (Not present on all tires)	P - Passenger
	-	T - Temporary
	-	C - Commercial
	-	LT - Light Truck
225	SECTIONAL WIDTH	SHOWN IN MILLIMETERS
60	ASPECT RATIO	SECTIONAL HEIGHT divided by SECTIONAL WIDTH *
R	CONSTRUCTION TYPE	R - RADIAL
	-	B - BIAS BELTED
	-	D - DIAGONAL (BIAS)
16	WHEEL DIAMETER	SHOWN IN INCHES
97	LOAD INDEX	**
T	SPEED RATING	**

NOTE: *: Height (2) divided by Width (1) = Aspect Ratio.

NOTE: **: Consult the tire manufacturer regarding any questions on tire specifications or capabilities.

Fig 1: Tire Aspect Ratio

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

NOTE: *: Height (2) divided by Width (1) = Aspect Ratio.

1 - SECTIONAL WIDTH

2 - SECTIONAL HEIGHT