What do those numbers on my tires mean?

As a full service auto repair center in Bedford PA. Town Hill Auto Repair Service provides a wide variety of tire services including tire rotation, tire balancing, wheel alignments and tire sales. Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. Carries a full line of name brand tires that are sure to fit your budget as well as your needs.

Price alone shouldn’t be the determining factor as to the type of tire that you purchase because here in Bedford PA. we experience a variety of weather conditions including rain & snow. Naturally if you have car tires on your SUV, trying to drive through snowy or off-road conditions you’re going to regret not that spending that extra $15 bucks or so per tire.

Understanding Tire Sizes

Have you ever wondered what the numbers on the side of your tire represent? No, they are not a secret code with a hidden message that only mechanics can figure out; these numbers describe everything we need to know about the size, use and driving conditions that the tire is expected to be used for. Here’s a quick breakdown of what these numbers represent:

Example = tire size P 225/50 R17 98H

The First Letter(s) P

The first letter or set of letters on your tire will represent the type of vehicle that is going on. The letter “P” represents a passenger tire used for cars and small trucks. The letters “LT” represent a light truck tire best suited for full size pickup trucks and SUVs.

The First Number Set 225/50

The first number on the tire size measurement identifies the distance in millimeters from the sidewall to sidewall while the next set of numbers separated by the “/” represent a ratio of height. The two numbers together identify the width and height ratio from the rim to the treads where the tire meets the road. Depending on the use of the tire the ratio can be shifted to better meet the need. For example: for those vehicles that need a lot of tread on the ground for traction you would use a lower ratio number meaning that the tire would be wider and shorter.

NOTE: The most important use of this number is to make sure that you match the manufacturer specific guidelines to this size. Most newer vehicles have been computer programmed to use the exact tire size to calculate speed and other variables that play into the ABS (Anti-Brake locking System) as well as traction control.


Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. is your one stop facility to keep your car performing at its best year around. Call Today to see the Difference Experience makes – 814-310-2221


The Letter R

The next letter in our measurement determines the construction of the tire.

R = Radial Construction

B = Belted Bias

D= Diagonal Bias Construction

The most common use will be R as most passenger cars and light trucks use radial tires.

The Size of the Rim 17

This is the measurement determines the size of the rim. Most newer vehicles including passenger cars now use the 16 inch rims and larger. For years 14 inch was the standard for most small passenger cars and trucks with the occasional use of the 13 inch for a very small car. Full-size cars and trucks commonly used the larger 15 inch rims because size of the brake system needed for the larger vehicles was greater than that of the smaller vehicles. Commonly today for performance vehicles we see 17 inch rims and greater to compensate for the size of the braking system or to provide a particular look that the manufacturer is going for.

Every once in a while, you’ll see that Monte Carlo driving down the road with 24 inch rims… of which we have no explanation why…

The Final Standard Measurement 98H

The final measurement identifies low capacity for the tire based on the tire inflation. The greater the number the greater the low capacity. For light trucks you would want to go with a higher number if you were wanting to carry heavy loads or you are planning on putting a larger amount of stress on your tires like off-road style driving.

The “H” represents the speed rating as to how fast the tire can go without flying apart. While there are quite a few speed ratings that can be applied, most passenger tires are rated up to 130 mph (H) while performance vehicles such as Mustangs, Corvettes and Ferraris are going to have a rating of over 149 mph (Z). The measurement is calculated based upon the amount of rigidity in the sidewalls of the tire based upon the makeup of the radial.

The higher the rating, the more rigid the ride but less role in the tires when cornering meaning greater control. The lower the rating, the softer the tire which lends for a smoother ride; but less grip and control at high speeds.

When Experience in Bedford PA. Counts

Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. can help you select the right tire based upon your budget and driving needs. Being that your tires are the only part of your vehicle that connect you to the road we see it as the most important element of your vehicle. Having the right tire on your car could be the difference between an accident in the rain and getting home safely. Be sure to ask your service advisor about tire options that meet your driving needs.

Useful Links

For more information on reading tire numbers Click Here

Learn more about wheels and tire services provided by Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. – Click Here

Learn more about the staff at Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. – Click Here

Tired of getting the run around when needing tires?

I know, the puns are running wild today… But seriously, the mindset that the auto repair industry has put forward in the Bedford PA area are enough to drive you crazy. They have taught us that you need a quick oil change place, you get your tires from a tire store, you get your transmission serviced at a transmission repair shop, you get alignments done at a suspension shop…

You need a Rolodex just to keep up with where to get your car worked on!

Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA is your one stop shop.

Need tires? We do that! We have access to all the name brand manufactures that you have come to rely on over the years. With our full service auto repair facility we can do everything from tire replacement, rotate and balance of tires, wheel alignments to everything that deals with steering and suspension for your vehicle in Bedford PA. Our professional auto repair service can provide you with competitive quotes on tires by helping you analyze and choose the tire that best fits your needs AND your budget.

We are not reliant on national campaigns that push certain brands of tires like the big tire chain stores do… You simply bring your car to the people that you already trust for outstanding auto repair service in Bedford PA. and we can help you choose the right tire combination for your driving conditions and budget.


Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA. is your one stop facility to keep your car performing at its best year around. Call Today to see the Difference Experience makes – 814-310-2221


Replacement tires for all sizes

Whether you got 12 inch tires on your Geo Metro or 33 inch swappers on your truck we’ve got you covered. Tires are simply the most important part of your car, as they are the only thing that connects your car to the ground, so the combination has to be right! With the multiple and extreme climate swings that we see in the Bedford PA. area making sure that you have the right tire for your use and conditions is important. Because Town Hill Auto Repair Service works on such a wide variety of different vehicles, we understand the differing challenges and needs that each vehicle takes based on their conditions.


Receive a FREE Town Hill Auto Repair Service Oil Change Voucher with every purchase of 4 tires!


Price shouldn’t be the only consideration

While budgets certainly come into play when it comes to replacement tires on your vehicle in Bedford PA. it shouldn’t be the determining factor for the tires that you put on your vehicle. Because tires are an investment that can traditionally last up to eight years, you want to make sure that the tire will fit your needs for that period of time. Installing an El Cheapo tire might be comfortable to your wallet, but not for the ride when your car hits interstate speeds and starts feeling the vibration. Not to mention you might have to be replacing those tires every 20,000 miles paying labor costs and alignment fees again and again. Your tire and wheel specialist at Town Hill Auto Repair Service in Bedford PA can help you choose the right tire that fits your vehicle, your needs and your budget.

Learn about winter tires Click Here

Town Hill Auto Service in Bedford PA is a NAPA Auto Care Center Click Here

Let us know how we are doing.

google review button

yelp review button

facebook review button