Tire Information

Enter your tire size in the search bar below to view tire specification. (Example: 225/60R16, LT265/75R16 or 33X12.50R15)

 

How to Read Speed Rating, Load Index & Service Descriptions

1.“225”: The numbers preceding the slash indicate the distance, in millimeters, across the widest point of the tire—called section width (225mm, or 8.85 inches, in this case)—when mounted on a wheel of specified width. Often listed before this number are letters that loosely signify the kind of duty for which the tire was designed: “P” stands for “p-metric” and is generally used on passenger cars, “LT” indicates light-truck duty, and “T” is for a temporary spare.

2. “60”: This two-digit number is the aspect ratio, or profile, of the sidewall. This tire’s sidewall height is 40 percent of the tire’s width, which equates to 99mm, or 3.9 inches. The lower the number, the shorter the sidewall. An exception is Michelin PAX tires, where this number signifies the overall diameter of the tire in millimeters.

3. “R”: This letter indicates radial tire construction; nearly all tires sold today are of this variety. Other constructions are “D” for bias-ply tires and “B” for belted. A preceding “Z” is simply a reference to an outdated and vague speed rating of more than 240 km/h, or 149 mph (the specific rating can be found in the service description).

4. “17”: This number indicates the diameter of the wheel on which the tire should be mounted, generally in inches. These are usually whole numbers but can also be half-inch increments, such as “16.5,” or in millimeters, as in “390.”

5. Load Rating: These numbers and letter together are called the service description. The numbers indicate the tire’s maximum “load” rating, or the amount of weight the tire can bear (“90” stands for 600 kilograms, or 1323 pounds), and the letter denotes the speed rating, or how fast the tires can safely rotate (“V” means 240 km/h, or 149 mph). The lowest rating typically found on passenger-car tires is “Q,” which means 99 mph. The highest, “Y,” is good for 186 mph, and when enclosed in parenthesis, as in “(93Y),” it means “in excess of” 186 mph. These values are determined by tire-testing machines in a lab, and the decoded load rating is also listed elsewhere on the tire.

SL stands for “Standard Load.” The words “Standard Load” will be stamped somewhere on the sidewall of the tire. XL means “Extra Load.” Tires with an XL designation can carry more weight than tires without the designation. The XL designation is listed at the end of the tire size (for example, 225/40ZR18 92W XL).

6. UTQG: Is not a safety rating and not a guarantee that a tire will last for a prescribed number of miles. Under UTQG, manufacturers use three criteria to grade tires: treadwear, traction and temperature. The information is right where you need it when buying the tire: On the paper label affixed to the tread.

7. DOT Label: Every tire sold in the U.S. must have U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) labeling. The first two characters indicate the factory of manufacture, and the next five or six are manufacturer-specific jargon (for tracking purposes, as in the case of a recall). The last four numbers give the date of production (the first two indicate which of 52 weeks, and the second two, the year). The European equivalent of the DOT code may also be present (it starts with an “e”), although fewer manufacturers are printing both on a tire’s sidewall (to prevent gray-market shipments when currency exchange rates fluctuate). If this string of numbers ends with “-S,” it means the tire complies with European noise regulations.

8. Mountain Snowflake: Unlike the M+S rating, this icon indicates that a tire has met a minimum performance requirement in snow testing.

9. Air Pressure: Maintaining correct tire inflation pressure helps optimize tire performance and fuel economy. Correct tire inflation pressure allows drivers to experience tire comfort, durability and performance designed to match the needs of their vehicles. Tire deflection (the tread and sidewall flexing where the tread comes into contact with the road) will remain as originally designed and excessive sidewall flexing and tread squirm will be avoided. Heat buildup will be managed and rolling resistance will be appropriate. Proper tire inflation pressure also stabilizes the tire’s structure, blending the tire’s responsiveness, traction and handling.

Consumer Tires

All-weather, performance, all-terrain, mud-terrain and luxury tires, you will find them at BentonDiscountTires.com. We have a large selection of tires, featuring the best brand, and sizes that are guarantee to fit your car, light truck or SUV. Whatever tire you need we ensure that our website will find the best tires that will match your specific vehicle and driving needs.

What Type Of Tire Do You Need? What you drive, where you drive, and how you drive are all important factors in selecting the right tire for your car or truck. Tires come in a variety of types, and choosing the right tire is crucial for your driving safety and comfort. Our website database will provide you with the best tires that fit your vehicle, then will direct you to a local tire installer in your area to install them with extreme precision.

Passenger Tires: The two major categories of passenger tires are Standard and Touring. Standard tires are ideal for most 4-door sedans, midsize or compact vehicles. They have larger sidewalls and a narrower footprint. Touring tires, however, are usually found on more premium vehicles that are equipped with a manufacturer’s touring suspension package. Generally, touring tires have a shorter sidewall and a larger footprint, which provides more responsive handling.

Performance Tires: Performance tires are a higher level of passenger tires. Tires in this group are usually placed in two categories: High Performance or Ultra High Performance, depending on their performance/speed rating. In both cases, the speed rating ensures the tire is matched to the performance standards of the vehicle. Performance tires are becoming original equipment on an ever-increasing number of new vehicles.

Light Truck Tires: The Light Truck group is made up of the Sport Utility Vehicles and Commercial Light Truck categories. The distinction between these two categories is primarily related to the specific vehicle and its use. Most SUV tires provide a smoother and quieter ride while giving reasonable load-carrying capacity. Tires for commercial use or work are capable of carrying a heavier load and are given a rating of C, D or E. These ratings indicate both the strength and load-carrying capacity of that tire, with C being the lowest and E being the highest.

When Should I Replace My Tires: We recommend that you shop for new tires when you still have 1/8 inch (4/32nds) of tread left. You can measure that with a quarter. Position a quarter in the tread grooves with George’s head pointing down. When you can just see the top of Mr. Washington’s head, that’s 1/8 inch.