1. Tire Type: This defines the proper use of the tire. For example, the "P" on the tire shown here means that this is a passenger car tire. If the tire had an "LT" designation, the tire would be for a Light Truck.

2. Tire Width: The width of the tire is measured in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall.

3. Aspect Ratio: This is the ratio of the height of the tire's cross-section to its width.

4. Construction: The construction tells you how the layers of the tire were put together. The "R" stands for Radial, which means the layers run radially across the tire. A "B" stands for bias construction, which mean that the layers run diagonally.

5. Wheel Diameter: The Wheel Diameter is the width of the wheel from one end to the other.

6. Load Index: The Load Index indicates the maximum load in pounds that the tire can support when properly inflated. You'll also find the maximum load elsewhere on the tire sidewall, both in pounds and kilograms. See our Abbreviations & Information Page for further details.

7. Speed Rating: The Speed Rating tells you the maximum service speed for a tire. "H" means that the tire has a maximum service speed of 130 mph. This rating relates only to the tire speed capability and is NOT a recommendation to exceed legally posted speed limits. See our Abbreviations and Information Page for further details.

8. DOT: This means that the tire complies with all applicable safety standards established by the US Department of Transportation (DOT). Next to this is a tire identification or serial number - a combination of numbers and letters up to 12 digits.

9. UTQG: This stands for "Uniform Tire Quality Grading," a rating system developed by DOT.