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

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What do those oil numbers mean?

Have you ever opened the hood and looked at the oil cap to see it says to use 5w30 and wonder what that meant? Or walked into the auto parts store to see dozens of oils and wondered.. which one should I choose? Believe it or not that is a very common question. The type of oil used in your vehicle is the lifeblood that circulates and protects your motor; so making sure that the right viscosity and type of oil used for your car in Bedford PA is a very important decision to make.

Let’s look at some information to help you better understand what those numbers represent.

What does viscosity mean?

Oil viscosity is simply how thick the oil is. Different engines, performance levels and outside temperatures help identify what type of oil would be best suited for use in your vehicle. As the vehicle ages, engine specifications change; meaning that the oil viscosity will change with it. It is important to make sure that the correct oil viscosity (weight or grade) is used based on these variable conditions so that damage does not occur to your engine. The experts at Town Hill Auto Service understand the variables that are unique to the Bedford PA area and can advise you on the proper weight of oil needed to properly protect your engine.

Can I change the viscosity of oil in my car?

Town Hill Auto Service does not recommend changing the oil viscosity in your vehicle without first analyzing the specific criteria discussed in the previous paragraph. If you have a newer car driven under normal operating conditions, we do not recommend adjusting the grade or weight of the oil that is recommended by the manufacturer. However, in extreme circumstances such as an extreme change in weather (cold or hot), severe driving conditions (stop and go driving) and the age/ mileage of the engine; changing the weight of the oil is necessary to make sure that internal engine components are properly lubricated. Again, make sure that you check with the experts at Town Hill Auto Service in Bedford PA for sound advice on changing these oil grades to keep your engine at its best performance level.

What does the “w” in 5w30 represent?

The “w” represents: winter. Engine oil has two different viscosities or weight measurements based upon temperature. The first number is more representative of the weight of the oil when the engine is cold (or colder temperatures) and the second number represents the weight of the oil at operating temperature. Because oil thins when it is heated, both of these numbers are important. When the engine is cold it is more difficult for it to circulate thick oil so the starting weight should always be lower than the operating weight. As the outside temperature changes to extreme cold or extreme hot those temperatures may be enough to recommend the change of your oil weight specification; however, modern engines and oils are designed to work in temperatures ranging from -5°F all the way up through 95°F so changing the oil viscosity based on external temperatures should be carefully considered before changing.


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


Is thicker oil better?

This is not really an easy answer being that, again, many variables go into making a decision to change the weight or grade of an oil. Thicker or higher grades of oil are recommended when engine wear has increased bearing clearances (gaps between bearing and rotating shaft) from years of driving.

In some cases only one of the two measurements would be adjusted being that the vehicle still needs to be able to have the two different viscosities to operate properly. Simply assuming that you need thicker oil because the car is five or six years old with 100,000 miles is not necessarily true.

Vehicles driven under normal operating conditions with proper oil change intervals may find that their engine’s performance has changed very little from when it was new.

In this case changing to Valvoline Max life oils with engine seal conditioners would be better than changing the viscosity or weight of the oil.

Should I ever use straight weight oil (SAE 30)?

No. This type of oil was developed for very specific types of engines. These engines are not utilized in passenger cars and light trucks.

Can I use synthetic oil in my car?

Over the years Valvoline has developed a line of oil products that can significantly increase the performance of your vehicle. These include conventional oils that have better temperature tolerances and breakdown slower, synthetic oils which lubricate more efficiently and disperse heat better, synthetic blends that are recommended for higher mileage engines and others depending on your driving conditions and use of vehicle. Any of these types of oils can be used in any type of vehicle providing the weight is applicable for your use.

Even older cars can see a tremendous advantage in gas mileage and performance by upgrading their oil to one of Valvoline’s performance lubricants. Be sure to consult with your automotive expert at Town Hill Auto Service in Bedford PA to determine which Valvoline oil would be the best for your vehicle.

When Experience Counts

Town Hill Auto Service in Bedford PA is your first choice for Valvoline oil changes and top-quality service and repairs. From simple oil changes to engine rebuilds we can handle it all! Our ASE Master Certified, dealer trained technicians are here to make sure that your car is always performing at its best. As a Napa Certified facility all of our work is backed with a nationwide warranty.

Useful Links

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

Learn more about Oil weights – Click Here

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