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02

Read the sidewall

Every tire prints its own spec sheet on its side. Here's what a code like this actually tells you.

P215/65R16 98H
P
Passenger vehicle. "LT" means light truck, built for heavier loads.
215
Tire width in millimeters, edge to edge.
65
Aspect ratio — sidewall height as a percent of width. Lower number, shorter sidewall.
R
Radial construction, the standard for modern tires.
16
Wheel diameter in inches the tire is built to fit.
98
Load index — the max weight the tire supports at full pressure.
H
Speed rating — the top sustained speed the tire is rated for.
TREADWEAR 400 TRACTION AA TEMPERATURE A

This is the UTQG rating, stamped separately from the size code above. The treadwear number is a relative mileage score — a tire rated 400 should last roughly twice as long as one rated 200 under the same government test conditions. That number is really just a stand-in for how hard or soft the rubber compound is: a higher treadwear number means a harder compound built to last, a lower number means a softer compound built to grip. Traction (AA to C) and temperature (A to C) grade wet stopping power and heat resistance the same way — higher letters, better performance in that category.

Lower treadwear # · softer compound
  • Better grip and traction
  • Smoother, quieter ride
  • Wears down faster
  • Less heat-resistant
Higher treadwear # · harder compound
  • Longer tread life
  • Holds up better under heat
  • Slightly less grip
  • Firmer ride