How to Read a Tire Size & Understanding a Tire Sidewall

Understanding the letters and numbers on your tire sidewall can be a bit confusing. Tires gives us some insight on how to read a tire size. My simple explanation addresses all the different specifications that are written on your vehicles tire. The sidewall of a tire contains a couple of key features:
Let's Take a Look for Instance at this Tire Size 215/55ZR17 94W
The "215" in the first part of the tire size represents the section width of the tire. The "55" represents the tires aspect ratio or height. The "R" stand for Radial in tire construction and the "17" stands for the wheel diameter in inches. The "94" is the load index and represents the tires maximum load capacity at maximum inflation pressure. The "W" represents the speed rating which is the max allotted speed of a tire.
Another bit of information contained on a tire sidewall is the maximum load capacity. The max load displays a weight at a certain PSI. But this is not the recommended tire pressure that you should inflate your tires to. Instead follow the manufacturer recommended tire pressure setting as seen on the inside of a car's door jam.
Hopefully this video can give you some insight on how to read a car tire.

[@Ninna27]

I am a female attempting to understand my tire specs better. This was very very informative....Thank you...

[@silviaojeda7571]

The same me im a female trying to understand the number...this video was all I needed

[@gsx9473]

Doesn't matter ur female

[@peterscarlett3172]

This is perhaps one of the clearest explanation I have seen in a while. Thank you.

[@bmilkjl]

You educated the hell outta me! Thank you.

[@LouisonAutomotive]

lol, you are welcome

[@GeorgetteMiller]

Me too😂

[@NFT_TX]

Absolutely. Thanks.

[@Florida_vybz]

Same 😊

[@popssinor8921]

finally a video with someone clearly explaining things! thank you

[@moroso-rm3fm]

Dude You are the guy who can explained all of this with out headache.😂😂 Ur cool! Keep up the good work..sir...

[@Growrena]

Greatly Presented, organized and voiced at an educational speed. Your instructions were very helpful. Thank you so much.

[@melinacolon74]

Female viewer here, thank you! 🙏🏻

[@TomFord_]

Well presented, informative, succinct, and concise with a conversational tone. BMW is messing me around with tires for my X6. Now I'm taking matters. in my own hands. Thank you!

[@mohammadalkhatib399]

The clearest video I’ve ever seen, thank you 👍🏻

[@LouisonAutomotive]

Wow, thanks!

[@pops9190]

AA rating! Clear , informative , and concise. Thank you

[@rafaelgomez1989]

5 STAR INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO !!!! THANK YOU !!

[@thobetime-dy4cq]

Wow i have a test on tires and wheels tomorrow and this video was so clear and simple. Thanks so much brother. Salaam❤

[@ivancarlos5212]

Need more people like u brotha

[@user-bz4ck4tm4l]

Thank you for this video. I have just join the tire industry.

[@LouisonAutomotive]

Best of luck!

[@danielmclaughlin6560]

Thanks my man's for the much-needed knowledge 🙏

[@truecomment3650]

Thanks a lot.I have driving 18 years snd I did not this much info about tires.❤

[@alfredkariuki3830]

Wonderful explanation

[@LouisonAutomotive]

Glad you think so!

[@bigdaddy-c2992]

Best breakdown, hands down. sub definitely.

[@LouisonAutomotive]

Awesome, thank you!

[@janghyuk8636]

Thank for helping us understand the numbers and letters on the tire!

[@user-qp6ym6sd6r]

This is the best video on tires, thank you.

[@LouisonAutomotive]

Wow, thanks!

[@lilhank1995]

Thank you for explaining this information about the tires ✊🏾

[@Hakeem357]

Thank you very informative. ❤

[@tdceylon]

R stands for Radial

[@eddie9753]

best video to understand tire specs

[@brandonhoarau1790]

Thanks 🙏🏻 for explaining

[@charleslindsey3214]

Excellent video.

[@jesussylviapadilla66]

Hit the nail right on the head. Thank you

[@mr.iforgot3062]

I am learned now, thanks to you. I will take over the world!

[@4missmarti]

Wow I had no idea a tire had all that information on it. I learned alot thnx

[@LouisonAutomotive]

Glad to help

[@alexandrarodriguez8487]

thank you so much. ive just gotten michelin in the past cause its “the best”. ofc my mechanic didnt bother to tell me about the different types. now i know this time thanks.

[@LouisonAutomotive]

Glad I could help

[@carlwill5009]

Wow, thank you for your information.I like your video

[@mehedimediavlogs]

You have explained very well. Thank you very much for your helpful video

[@LouisonAutomotive]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gguy9oct]

Informative. Thank you for creating it.

[@jeroddalton]

thanks. appreciate the basics and pointers. 5.11.2022

[@beexiong9047]

Great insightful video! Thank you!

[@kankuroheisei8645]

thanks for the video man, it really helped me to understand the markings on the tire. Just a quick question, what if i choose to replace my stock tires to a slightly bigger one, do i still need to follow the recommended psi by the car manufacturer?

[@trishan4720]

Well explained, thanks for sharing ❤👏👏

[@empressdiva50]

Thanks!! I’m a female and most mechanic aren’t ethical. And most aren’t ethnic. So they take advantage of females. New subscriber.🇵🇷🇺🇸

[@XKEquitablecareservices-Xiong]

Very good and helpful information and advice. Good man!

[@LouisonAutomotive]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dm1126]

Great clear explanation Cheers buddy

[@XDgamer-lk8nf]

Thank you for explaining it sir 😁👍

[@vregathedon99]

Very informative, Thank you

[@starlingsimmons6583]

Should I put a performance tire on my car if I don’t drive over like 80 miles per hour or should I be alright getting a regular tire?

[@Monica-ye5nf]

this was super helpful, thank you!

[@LouisonAutomotive]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Nobleflex101]

Very informative and how to know the rim radius may i ask please.

[@joel7666]

I wish i watched this before purchasing my tires.

[@TomFord_]

😅 the struggle continues, but this information is priceless.

[@alovera1357]

One part of my tire didn't sit on the rim. (Around 10cm) and I blow up to 3,5 bar still doesn't fit. Is that possible to fill more air that it would sit on the rim exactly or it will not handle more pressure than it shows max ?😮(inside fitted exactly only outside around 10cm -space between tyre and rim)

[@rhondastill2624]

I bought 295 instead of LT295 tires for our 2016 f-250 4x4 diesel. Will they be ok to pull our empty 28' toy hauler?

[@byronaguilar4410]

Man.. excellent explanation. One question. My SUV Pilot says tahat the maximum capacity is 1170 pounds. But the NITTO Tires say that the max capacity is 2030 pounds (I suppose that those are not the original tires), How can i solve this dilema? Im planning to make a trip with 7 people in the SUV and i don't want to overload the car. Thanks

[@TheEtbetween]

Excellent information!! Thanks a million

[@LouisonAutomotive]

My pleasure!

[@goros831]

Thank you for great information

[@go3cia]

Thank you!! 💯

[@NQBN]

Best explanation. Thank you 🙏

[@LouisonAutomotive]

Glad it was helpful!

[@shamskl3245]

Thanks for explanation 🎉

[@tedlahm5740]

Very informative. thank you

[@ferdinanddelacruz7873]

Hi can I put 255/40/ 19 for my Tt quatro .

[@sidroniogomez912]

Excelente video gracias Brother you are the best

[@ebenezeressuman8130]

Good information well explained. I'm in Italy and wanted to know about this and you did well on that.👍

[@LouisonAutomotive]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Lifeafter50SF]

Great video thank you!

[@tedlahm5740]

Radial. the word we are looking for?

[@fresshstarr6926]

Thanks again bro trying to educate my self on some new rims on my car thanks much

[@LouisonAutomotive]

No problem 👍

[@shubhamsinghhimta]

Dude thanks❤

[@user-yo4fr1tn2v]

Very well explained Thanks so much .

[@LouisonAutomotive]

Glad it was helpful!

[@silviaojeda7571]

Very good you explained very well this is the number for my elantra thanksssss

[@siftainbutt9693]

Very well described

[@LouisonAutomotive]

Thanks a ton

[@MG2theJ]

The shop put all four 235/55r18 104v tires on my 2015 camaro, is this ok? Someone please help

[@CharliefromAussieland]

Excellent explanation!!!... Txs a lot.

[@LouisonAutomotive]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nunomachado2191]

DOT is street certified for Europe as well and R means Radial

[@edwinsamson6222]

On height the lower the is the lower the height?

[@miguelheras7371]

Very well detail I like it, nice job

[@LouisonAutomotive]

Thank you very much!

[@georgedomse]

"R" is short for Radial thread of the tire weave.

[@jays2573]

Thank you, even though your video is 2 yrs old..... it was a tremendous help to me..... lessoned well learned on my part and lesson well taught on your part easy enough to understand and follow even for a rodeo clown like me..... LOL

[@gustavemusashi2001]

Thank you

[@user-ze3kx8qu6m]

😮 how do I know the tire serial number

[@fredrickoyier424]

Great! Well received and appreciated

[@LouisonAutomotive]

Glad you liked it!

[@danielyohannes5737]

Hi bro can I change tires size 215/60R16

[@braudilioramirez7]

Thank you !!!

[@manuelserrato7517]

Great video. 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@LouisonAutomotive]

Thanks 👍

[@FaisalKhan-my1jd]

Amazing video, R represents Radial. if there is no R then it's normal Ply.

[@LouisonAutomotive]

Thanks for the info!

[@veepee1741]

YOU DID NOT SHOW THE EXPIRATION OF THE TIRE. WHAT YEAR IT WAS MANUFACTURED AND HOW MANY WEEKS

[@kevinperez919]

Hey my car says my tire is 215/55R16 93H but I found some 215/55R16 93V the only difference is the 93V dose that matter

[@LouisonAutomotive]

It will work just fine

[@pratheeps26]

great

[@kenbrown1498]

What’s that 94wxl😊l have a 2011 sonata

[@aquarius_1luv]

Thank you 🙏💜

[@LouisonAutomotive]

You’re welcome

[@007ISOLDE]

Thank youuuuuu❤

[@Victor2Real]

So what does P16 mean?when talking bout tires

[@winstonharris5274]

Actually I don't know what the numbers mean please explain

[@BoobyToy]

Good video!

[@LouisonAutomotive]

Thanks!

[@partapvirk9837]

Appreciate bud

[@musicbox918]

Great!

[@totoaaron]

Sir, what is the correct tire pressure of 205/55/R16 94W XL of my Honda City. Thanks

[@LouisonAutomotive]

About 32 psi, check your drive side door jamb for tire pressure tag.

[@totoaaron]

Actually sir I changed tire from 185/55/R16 95H to 205/55/R16 94W XL so I just wondering what it will be the correct tire pressure both front and back. Thank you sir

[@frankmontez6853]

Hey can tires be originally 235 50 17 then tire shop is telling me that 225 50 17 tires can go there without problem? Won’t make any difference? Won’t kill myself ? They’re don’t have the 235 I gave them wrong tire size

[@ebenezeradu4586]

Thanks, bro.

[@LouisonAutomotive]

You're welcome

[@JavierBonillaC]

R Radial

[@hez1711]

how bout the plies information? isnt that on all tires

[@msgshillingford4324]

GREAT,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ONELOVE.

[@mr.iforgot3062]

How much is your bracelet worth?

[@nospecialtiescreations8781]

Are you guys open?

[@LouisonAutomotive]

Monday to Friday for now 10:00am to 6:00pm

[@charandeep7ingh]

🥃🥃ss man ty

[@Ev-mo]

A question I have 2015 Jetta sticker says 215 55 16 The rims and tires I have is 225 45 17 but hard to find used I found 225 50 17 many I do have 225 55 17 people said big night run on fenders So would the 225 50 17 fit ? Plz someone help me I get 10 different answers from shops and some just lie to sell tires I can’t find any articles about this question