Tire labels look like a secret code at first. Once you know what each number and letter signals, you can shop faster, avoid bad fits, and feel more confident about safety. This guide breaks down the most common tire labels and ratings you’ll see and what they mean for your vehicle.
Tire Size: The Code That Controls Fit
A size like P215/55R17 tells you the tire’s basic shape and the wheel it fits.
- P means passenger tire (you may also see LT for light truck).
- 215 equals the width in millimeters.
- 55 equals the sidewall height as a percentage of the width.
- R means radial construction (most modern tires use this).
- 17 equals the wheel diameter in inches.
Match the size your vehicle requires unless you understand how a change affects speedometer readings, clearance, handling, and load support.
Load Index and Speed Rating: Strength and Top-Speed Capability
After the size, you’ll often see something like 94V. The 94 equals the load index, which maps to a maximum weight per tire. Meanwhile, the V equals the speed rating, which reflects a tire’s tested capability at sustained speeds.
You should treat these ratings as minimum requirements. If you haul heavy loads, take road trips in hot weather, or drive aggressively, choose a tire that meets or exceeds your vehicle’s requirements. If you know you need tires that can handle a heavy load, purchase them. Don’t try to save money with cheaper tires; instead, avoid costly mistakes when buying a car or tires that don’t meet your needs.
UTQG: Treadwear, Traction, and Temperature
Many tires sold in the U.S. include a UTQG grade. You’ll usually see three parts:
- Treadwear (e.g., 500): Higher numbers usually signal longer life, but the rating only compares within a brand’s testing system.
- Traction (AA, A, B, C): This grade focuses on straight-line wet braking traction, not cornering grip.
- Temperature (A, B, C): This shows how well the tire handles heat at speed.
Use UTQG as a comparison tool, not as a promise. Driving style, alignment, and inflation pressure change real-world tread life fast.
DOT Code: Find the Tire’s Age and Origin
The DOT code tells you key manufacturing details, including the production date. The last four digits show the week and year of manufacture. For example, 2324 means week 23 of 2024.
Tires can “age out” even if the tread looks fine. Rubber hardens over time, especially in heat and sunlight. When you shop, check the date and avoid anything that already sits for years in storage.
Marketing Claims vs. Real Ratings
Some listings scream “race-bred grip” or “track-ready handling,” yet the tire lacks proof through recognized markings, test results, or consistent reviews. You can also run into exaggerated or misleading claims, so learn how to spot fake performance tire claims before you buy.
Watch for vague promises with no measurable specs, suspiciously low prices for “premium” performance categories, and missing information like UTQG, DOT date, or full size/load/speed details.
Make Labels Work for You
Tire labels and ratings don’t exist to confuse you—they protect you from bad matches. When you understand size, load, speed, UTQG, and winter markings, you can shop smarter and skip hype. The right tire feels quiet, stable, and predictable because you picked it based on evidence, not just a bold product description.
