What do the numbers and letters on a tire mean? It’s important to know this so you can choose the right tires for your vehicle—and the right snow chains, too!
The size marked on the sidewall of your tire indicates its main characteristics. There are six pieces of information on your tire; let’s use the diagram below as an example.
First of all, 205 is the width of your tire in millimeters.
The number 45 represents the ratio (expressed as a percentage) of the tire’s sidewall height to its width.
The letter R provides information about the tire’s structure; in this case, it indicates that it is a radial tire.
Finally, the number 16 represents the inner diameter of the rim (in inches), the number 91 represents the load index, and V represents the speed rating.
Please note: Even if a tire chain fits your tire size, it may not be compatible with your vehicle. To put your mind at ease, know that Polaire works closely with vehicle manufacturers to ensure that only products compatible with your vehicle are approved—regardless of the conditions in which they’re used!
On the website www.polaire.eu, you can search for snow chains by entering your vehicle’s make.
Manufacturers do not specify the dimensions of American tires in the same way as they do in Europe. In North America, they use the “P-metric system,” which allows information such as P225/60 R16 97T to be read on the tire sidewall.
The “P,” which stands for “Passengers,” indicates that the tire is suitable for vehicles that carry passengers, such as passenger cars, small vans, small pickup trucks, and SUVs.
If, instead of “P,” you see “LT” for “Light Truck,” that means the tire is designed for pickup trucks.