What Do the Symbols on Tires Mean?
2 Answers
Tire symbols primarily indicate the specifications and performance of the tire. The following details explain the meanings of these markings: 1. The first three digits represent the width of the rubber tire in millimeters. 2. The fourth and fifth digits indicate the aspect ratio (also known as the "profile") of the rubber tire, which is the ratio of the tire's cross-sectional height to its width, expressed as a percentage (%). 3. The sixth letter denotes the construction type of the rubber tire. 4. The seventh and eighth digits represent the nominal inner diameter of the rubber tire in millimeters, which is the diameter of the wheel rim the tire is designed to fit. 5. The ninth and tenth digits are the load capacity index of the rubber tire.
Those symbols on the tire sidewall are actually quite interesting. When I first learned to drive, I had to figure them out too. The most common ones are the number-letter combinations like 195/55R16: 195 represents the tire width in millimeters; 55 is the aspect ratio in percentage terms; R stands for radial construction, which most modern cars use; and 16 indicates the rim size in inches. Then there are load indexes like 91, which means a maximum load capacity of about 615 kilograms, and speed symbols such as H, representing a top speed of 210 kilometers per hour. These symbols ensure the tire matches the vehicle, otherwise, there's a risk of unstable braking or blowouts. When choosing tires, I also pay attention to seasonal symbols—the snowflake mark is suitable for winter snow driving, and the three-peak mountain icon indicates a design specifically for snowy conditions, enhancing safety. Taking a closer look at these details can help you avoid buying the wrong model and extend tire life.
