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Tire Specifications |
There's a lot of useful information molded into the sidewall of a tire.
It shows the name of the tire, its size, whether it is tubeless or tube
type, the tire grade,
speed rating, the
maximum load, maximum inflation, an important safety warning, and more.
Click an area within the tire graphic to learn about the individual
fields of information. (Following the graphic is a scrollable summary
of this information.)
Passenger Tire Sidewall Information
For Light Truck Tire Sidewall information, click here.
Example: P215/65R15 89H
"P" means this is a passenger car tire (as opposed to a tire made for a truck or other vehicle). P-metric is the U.S. version of a metric tire-sizing system.
"215" Section Width: The width of the tire in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall. This measurement varies depending on the width of the rim to which the tire is fitted: larger on a wider rim, smaller on a narrow rim. The number on the side of tire indicates the width measured with the tire fitted to the recommended rim width.
"65" Aspect Ratio: The ratio of height to width; this tire's height is 65% of its width.
"R" Construction: How the plies are constructed in the tire carcass. "R" means radial. "B" in place of the "R" means the tire is belted bias construction. "D" in place of the "R" means diagonal bias construction.
"15" Rim Diameter: The diameter of the wheel in inches.
"89" Load Index: This tire has an industry-standard maximum load of 1,279 lbs. Different numbers correspond to different maximum loads. The maximum load is shown in lbs. (pounds) and in kg (kilograms), and maximum pressure in PSI (pounds per square inch) and in kPa (kilopascals). Kilograms and kilopascals are metric units of measurement.
"H"Speed Rating: This tire has an industry-standard maximum service speed of 130 mph. Tires using an older European system carry the speed rating in the size description: 215/65HR15. Different letters correspond to different maximum service speeds.
The letters "DOT" certify compliance with all applicable safety standards established by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Adjacent to this is a tire identification or serial number; a combination of numbers and letters with up to 11 digits.
The sidewall also shows the type of cord and number of plies in the sidewall and under the tread.
Tire Grades: Uniform Tire Quality Grading System or UTQG
Except for snow tires, the DOT requires the manufacturers to grade passenger car tires based on three performance factors: tread wear, traction, and temperature resistance. The UTQG rating of each Goodyear passenger car and light truck tire is listed in the Car/Light Truck Tire Catalog.
Tread Wear
- More Than 100 - Better
- 100 - Baseline
- Less Than 100 - Poorer
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test track. A tire graded 200 would wear twice as long on the government test track as one graded 100. Your actual tire mileage depends upon the conditions of their use and may vary due to driving habits, service practices, differences in road characteristics and climate. Note: Tread wear grades are valid only for comparisons within a manufacturer's product line. They are not valid for comparisons between manufacturers.
Traction
- A - Best
- B - Intermediate
- C - Acceptable
Traction grades represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. The Traction grade is based upon "straight ahead" braking tests; it does not indicate cornering ability.
Temperature
- A - Best.
- B - Intermediate
- C - Acceptable
The temperature grades represent the tire's resistance to the generation of heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperatures can cause the materials of the tire to degenerate and thus reduce tire life. Excessive temperatures can lead to tire failure. Federal law requires that all tires meet at least the minimal requirements of Grade C.
The speed rating is the maximum service speed of a passenger car tire. Light truck tires are not speed rated. The speed ratings of Goodyear passenger car tires are listed on the 'Sizes & Specifications' pages in the Car/Light Truck Tire Catalog. Here is a list of rating indicators and their mile-per-hour equivalents. This rating system applies to all tire makers.
| Rating | Maximum Speed |
| Q | 99 mph |
| S | 112 mph |
| T | 118 mph |
| U | 124 mph |
| H | 130 mph |
| V | 149 mph |
| W | 168 mph |
| Y | 186 mph |
| Z | Above 149 mph |
Light Truck Sidewall Information
"LT" stands for Light Truck
"LT235/85R16" is the size designation for a metric light truck tire
"LOAD RANGE D" identifies the load and inflation limits
"RADIAL" indicates that the tire has a radial construction
"MAX. LOAD SINGLE 2623 lbs. AT 65 psi COLD" indicates the maximum load rating of the tire and corresponding minimum cold inflation pressure when used in a dual configuration.
The other markings on the sidewall have the same meaning as described for the passenger car tire.
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