Tire Size Guide
How to Read a Tire Size
Decode the numbers on your sidewall so you can choose replacement tires with confidence.
Where to find your tire size
- On the tire sidewall: the size is molded into the rubber, for example
225/65R17 102H. - On the tire placard: a sticker on the driver-side door jamb (sometimes in the glove box or fuel door) lists the original size and recommended inflation pressure.
- In your owner's manual, under tires or specifications.
Some vehicles use different sizes front and rear (a "staggered" setup). Check both axles before ordering.
Decoding P225/65R17 102H
| Part | Meaning | Filter on MozTire |
|---|---|---|
| P | Service type. P = P-metric passenger tire, LT = light truck, no letter = Euro-metric. | Service Type |
| 225 | Section width in millimeters, sidewall to sidewall. | Width |
| 65 | Aspect ratio: sidewall height as a percentage of width. Lower = shorter, sportier sidewall. | Aspect Ratio |
| R | Radial construction, used by virtually all modern tires. | — |
| 17 | Wheel (rim) diameter in inches. Must match your wheels exactly. | Rim Diameter |
| 102 | Load index: the maximum weight each tire can carry at its maximum pressure. | Load Index |
| H | Speed rating: the maximum sustained speed the tire is rated for. | Speed Rating |
Width, aspect ratio and rim diameter must match the size your vehicle calls for. Load index and speed rating should be equal to or higher than the original equipment.
Speed rating chart
| Rating | Max speed | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Q | 99 mph | Winter & light-truck |
| R | 106 mph | Light truck |
| S | 112 mph | Passenger, SUV |
| T | 118 mph | Passenger, minivan |
| H | 130 mph | Sedans, crossovers |
| V | 149 mph | Sport sedans |
| W | 168 mph | Performance |
| Y | 186 mph | High performance |
Winter tires often carry a lower speed rating than the all-season tires they replace. That is normal; just drive to conditions.
Load index chart
| Index | Max load / tire | Index | Max load / tire |
|---|---|---|---|
| 91 | 1,356 lbs | 94 | 1,477 lbs |
| 95 | 1,521 lbs | 98 | 1,653 lbs |
| 100 | 1,764 lbs | 102 | 1,874 lbs |
| 104 | 1,984 lbs | 107 | 2,149 lbs |
| 110 | 2,337 lbs | 112 | 2,469 lbs |
| 116 | 2,756 lbs | 121 | 3,195 lbs |
Multiply by four to estimate the total capacity of a full set. Never choose a load index lower than your vehicle's placard specifies.
Load range (LT and XL tires)
- SL (Standard Load) and XL (Extra Load) apply to passenger tires. XL tires carry more weight at higher pressure.
- Load Range C (6-ply rated), D (8-ply), E (10-ply) and F (12-ply) apply to LT tires for pickups, vans and towing.
If your truck came with Load Range E tires, replace them with Load Range E or higher.
Season and tire categories
| Type | Best for |
|---|---|
| All-Season | Year-round driving in mild climates; long tread life. Often marked M+S. |
| All-Weather | Year-round use with real snow capability. Carries the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol. |
| Winter | Snow, ice and temperatures below about 45°F. 3PMSF rated. |
| Summer / Performance | Maximum dry and wet grip in warm weather; not for snow or freezing temperatures. |
| Highway | Quiet, efficient touring for SUVs and pickups. |
| All-Terrain | Mixed on-road and off-road use for trucks and SUVs. |
| Mud-Terrain | Aggressive off-road traction in mud and rock; louder on pavement. |
Sidewall style, DOT date and tread depth
- Sidewall: Black Sidewall (BSW), Outlined White Letters (OWL), Raised White Letters (RWL) and similar styles are cosmetic and do not affect performance.
- DOT date code: the last four digits of the DOT number show the week and year of manufacture, e.g.
3425= week 34 of 2025. - Tread depth: new tires typically have 10/32" to 12/32" of tread (more for off-road tires). Most U.S. states require replacement at 2/32", and many experts recommend replacing at 4/32" for wet-road safety.
- Tread warranty: a manufacturer mileage warranty, such as 60,000 miles. It requires regular rotation and correct inflation.
Buying tips
- Match the size on your placard. Changing size can affect speedometer accuracy, clearance and safety systems.
- Replace tires in sets of four when possible, or at least in pairs on the same axle. Many AWD vehicles need four matching tires.
- Choose a season that fits where you drive most of the year.
- Have tires mounted and balanced by a qualified installer, and ask for an alignment check.
Still unsure? Send us your vehicle and current tire size and we will help.