What Does The Last Letter On A Tire Mean
The last letter on a tire is the load index. The load index is the maximum amount of weight that the tire can safely carry. The higher the number, the greater the weight capacity. For example, a tire with a load index of 95 can carry up to 1,874 pounds.
The last letter on a tire’s sidewall indicates its speed rating. The speed rating is the maximum speed that a tire can safely maintain over a long period of time without losing its structural integrity. Tires with higher speed ratings can safely handle higher speeds than tires with lower ratings.
If you’re shopping for new tires, you might notice that some have letters like “S” or “T” after the size designation. These are called speed ratings, and they indicate how fast a tire can go without sacrificing safety. Speed ratings range from A (the lowest) to Y (the highest), and each letter corresponds to a different maximum speed.
For example, a tire rated at “S” can travel up to 112 mph, while a “Y”-rated tire can handle speeds up to 186 mph. Most passenger cars come equipped with tires that have high-speed ratings of S or T, which is more than enough for everyday driving. However, if you have a sports car or frequently drive on the highway, you might want to consider upgrading to tires with even higher speed ratings.
No matter what kind of vehicle you drive, it’s always important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when it comes to choosing tires. And when in doubt, err on the side of caution by opting for tires with higher speed ratings.
Table of Contents
How to Read a Tire Size & Understanding a Tire Sidewall – ABTL Auto Extras
Letter on Tire Meaning
It’s important to know what the letters on your tires mean! Here’s a quick guide:
P: This stands for a passenger car. Tires with this designation are meant for use on passenger cars, minivans, SUVs, and light trucks.
T: This designates temporary or “temporary use” tires. These tires are not meant for extended highway use and should be replaced as soon as possible.
LT: LT stands for a light truck. Tires with this designation are meant for use on vehicles such as pickups, vans, and SUVs that carry heavy loads.
Credit: www.tireoutlet.com
What Does the T Or H Mean on Tires?
Most people don’t know that there is meaning behind the letters on tires. The “T” or “H” actually stands for the speed rating of the tire. The speed rating tells you the maximum speed that the tire can handle before it starts to wear down. The most common ratings are:
- T – 118 mph
- H – 130 mph
- V – 149 mph
- Z – over 149 mph
If you’re not sure what your car’s top speed is, you can usually find it in the owner’s manual. Once you know that, you can choose a tire with a matching or higher speed rating so that you don’t have to worry about your tires wearing down while you’re driving.
Does the Letter on the Tire Matter?
When it comes to tires, there are a lot of different lettering systems in place. So, does the letter on the tire matter? The answer is yes and no. The letters on the tire can give you some information about the tire, but they don’t necessarily tell you everything you need to know. The main thing that the letters on a tire indicate is the width of the tire. This is important to know because it will affect how your car is handled.
A wider tire will provide more grip and stability, while a narrower tire will be lighter and easier to maneuver. In addition to width, the letters on a tire can also tell you about the construction of the tire. For example, “P” indicates that a tire is meant for passenger vehicles, while “LT” indicates that a tire is meant for light trucks.
These construction types will affect things like ride quality and durability. So, while the letters on a tire do give you some information, they shouldn’t be your only source of information when choosing tires for your vehicle. Be sure to consult with an expert or do your own research to ensure that you’re getting exactly what you need!
What Do the Final 4 Digits in the Tire Information Tell You?
The final four digits in the tire information tell you when the tire was manufactured. The first two digits are the week of manufacture, and the last two digits are the year. For example, if the final four digits are 1210, that means that the tire was manufactured in December 2010.
Conclusion
The last letter on a tire’s sidewall indicates its speed rating. This is the maximum speed the tire can sustain over a long period of time without breaking down. The ratings range from A (the lowest) to Y (the highest).
