You may have noticed all those numbers on the side of your tire. What do they all mean? If you’ve found yourself scratching your head trying to decipher each tire number meaning, you’re not alone. Our service center staff thinks that every Waco driver should understand those numbers. That’s why we’ve put together the helpful guide below. So, what do the numbers on tires mean? Find out with Douglass Nissan of Waco.

 

What do the numbers on tires mean when they have a slash in the middle? These numbers are typically the largest ones on the tire, and are usually formatted like “P225/50R16” or “225/50R16”. They refer to the size of the tire. You will need to know this when buying new tires. Here’s what each of those numbers mean: * Letter at the beginning * P — Passenger vehicle * T — Temporary spare * LT — Light truck * ST — Special trailer service * Number before the “/” — This is the section width of the tire in millimeters. * Number right after the “/” — This is the sidewall aspect ratio (sidewall height from rim to tread) * Letter after the sidewall aspect ratio — indicates internal construction of the tire * R — Radial * D — Diagonal or bias ply * B — Belted * Number after the internal construction letter — rim size in inches

What do the numbers on tires mean when they are followed by “PSI”? “PSI” stands for “Pounds per Square Inch” and refers to air pressure. However, you should not inflate your tires to this pressure. This is the maximum pressure that your tires can withstand. If you find yourself pulling into one of our Woodway gas stations because you have a low tire, consult your owner’s manual or the sticker on the inside of your driver side door for the recommended air pressure before connecting that air hose to your tire.

If you’re confused by the numbers on the side of your tires, that’s okay! Douglass Nissan of Waco is here to help. Our trained professionals know all there is to know about your tires, how much air pressure they need, and what size to look for when they need to be replaced. So, schedule an appointment with us. We’re just a short drive away from both Hewitt and McGregor. Drop by or contact us today!