If you’ve ever had to buy new tires for your car, you know there are many different options from which to choose. The best way to make the selection process easier is to learn how to read the numbers on the sidewalls. The guide below explains the importance of these figures. 

Common Questions About Tire Numbers

Which tire types are good for which vehicles?

Most tires are marked with service descriptions that tell you what kind of vehicle they suit best. This service code is typically one or two capitalized letters preceding a longer sequence of numbers and letters that indicate various specifications, like the rim diameter and speed rating.

If your tires are marked with a “P,” they’re meant for passenger cars. “LT” indicates tires made for light trucks. “ST” stands for special trailer, and “T” is a designation for temporary spare tires.

What does the Department of Transportation (DOT) code mean?

The DOT code is a combination of 10 to 13 numbers and letters that is used to track tire production for recall purposes. The first two or three symbols are the manufacturer’s plant code to indicate where the tire was made. The next two symbols indicate the size of the tire and are meant for manufacturers rather than customers.

A following three- to four-symbol code is the manufacturer’s identity number, which is used for recall purposes. Finally, the last four digits indicate the date when the tire was made. The first two digits indicate the week of manufacture while the third and fourth indicate the year.

What is treadwear?

The treadwear rating indicates the tread’s durability compared to wider standards. This appears on a line above the tire code; it will say “treadwear,” followed by a number. The industry’s threshold reference number is 100. A treadwear of 200 means that particular tread is predicted to last twice as long as the industry baseline.

What is the load index?

The load index is indicated by a two- or three-digit number near the end of the sequence preceded by the tire type designation. To find out how much weight the tire can hold, use a load-carrying capacity per tire chart.

For example, 60 indicates a load-carrying capacity of 550 pounds, while 139 indicates 5,357 pounds. Keep in mind that this number indicates the load rating per tire and should be multiplied by four to know the full weight your tires can hold.

Find the perfect new tires for your car by visiting Oak Hollow Tire Car Care Center in High Point, NC. This tire dealer carries a full inventory of the most popular name brands. No matter whether you have a passenger car, an SUV, or a light truck, you’re sure to find the perfect set of tires for your vehicle in their catalog. Find out more about this local business online or speak to a representative by calling (336) 841-6553.