What Do Tire Numbers Mean?

What do the numbers on tires mean? If you’ve been shopping for new tires, you’ve probably noticed a bunch of numbers printed on the sidewalls. These tire numbers actually convey important information that you should understand before making a purchase. Our service department wants to keep our Medina customers informed, so we’ve defined the tire number meaning in detail below. If you’ve been wondering, “What do the numbers on tires mean?”, keep reading!

What Do the Numbers on Tires Mean?

What do tire numbers mean? The most prominent set of numbers you’ll see is the tire width, aspect ratio, and diameter. This set of three digits is standard across all tires. The width is the first number and indicates how many millimeters the tire measures from sidewall to sidewall. The aspect ratio follows and shows the tire’s height as a percentage of its width. Finally, the diameter shows the wheel size that the tire is designed to fit in inches. What do the numbers on tires mean when they’re followed by “PSI”? We explain all of these numbers below so that you can choose the right tires to keep your car running smoothly on our Brunswick and Montrose roads:

Tire Number Meaning: Width

This 3-digit number gives the width of the tire in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall. So a tire marked 225 would be 225mm across.

• Indicates width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall.
• Wider tires provide more traction and grip.
• Narrower tires are lighter and more fuel-efficient.
• Consider the type of performance when choosing the width.

Tire Number Meaning: Diameter

This gives the diameter of the wheel that the tire is designed to fit. You’ll see measurements like 15, 16, 17, and so on. Make sure your new tires match the diameter of your existing wheels.

• Tire width is the measurement in millimeters across the tread from sidewall to sidewall.
• Aspect ratio shows tire height as a percentage of its width.
• Diameter gives the wheel size that the tire fits in inches.

Tire Number Meaning: Max PSI

You may see a number preceded by “max psi”. What do the numbers on tires mean in this case? This is the maximum amount of air pressure your tires can handle. Do not inflate your tires to this number. Instead, locate the PSI that can be found on the sticker inside your car’s driver-side door jam.

The Service Department at Ken Ganley Kia Medina is Here to Help

Visit our service center for expert assistance when you’re ready to shop for new tires. Our tire specialists will help you find the ideal fit for your vehicle and driving needs. So, schedule an appointment with us. In the meantime, you can check out our post on how long tires should last to learn even more. We’re conveniently located near Strongsville, so drop by or contact us today.