What kind of tire is on my car?
Most passenger cars wear standard passenger-car tires, but the exact kind—such as all-season, winter, or performance—depends on the tire’s sidewall markings and your vehicle’s requirements. To know for sure, check the tire sidewall and consult your owner’s manual or the door-jamb placard.
This guide explains how to identify the tire type on your car by reading the markings on the sidewall, what those markings mean for performance, and how to choose the right tire for your climate and driving style.
What you’re looking at on the tire sidewall
The sidewall of a tire carries the essential identity and performance data: whether the tire is designed for passenger cars or light trucks, the size and construction, load and speed capabilities, seasonal markings, and more. Knowing these codes helps you understand what kind of tire you have and whether it suits your conditions.
- Designation and size class: The first part of the code shows whether the tire is for a passenger car (P), light truck (LT), or a European metric size (no leading P). It’s followed by a size sequence such as 215/65R15, which encodes width (215 mm), aspect ratio (65%), and diameter (15 inches). If you see ST, it indicates a trailer tire and is not for passenger cars.
- Construction type: The letter in the size code (usually R) indicates radial construction, which is standard for modern tires. A D would indicate bias-ply construction. Most tires you’ll encounter are radial (R).
- Load index and speed rating: A code like 94V or 91H combines a numeric load index (how much weight the tire can carry) with a letter speed rating (the maximum safe speed). This must match the vehicle’s requirements from the owner’s manual or placard.
- UTQG rating: If present, you’ll see treadwear, traction, and temperature grades (e.g., 420 A A). These offer a relative sense of wear resistance, wet grip, and heat resistance, though not all tires display UTQG values.
- Seasonal markings: M+S (mud and snow) appears on many all-season tires. The 3PMSF symbol (three-peak mountain snowflake) indicates the tire meets a specific winter performance standard and is better suited for snow than an M+S-only tire.
- Run-flat and load designations: Some tires bear Run Flat (RFT) or Run-Flat on the sidewall, indicating they can carry the vehicle for a limited distance after air loss. Other notations like XL (extra load) or SL (standard load) indicate load-carrying capability.
- DOT date code: At the end of the sidewall, the DOT code ends with a four-digit number showing the week and year of manufacture (for example, 2519 means week 25 of 2019). This helps gauge tire age, which matters for safety and performance.
- Maximums and other markings: The sidewall may also include the maximum load, maximum inflation pressure, and other manufacturer-specific codes. These are important for proper inflation and safety checks.
Interpreting these markings helps you compare tires and ensure you’re using the correct type for your car and climate. When in doubt, consult the owner’s manual or a tire professional.
Types of tires for passenger cars
There are several broad categories designed for different weather, road conditions, and performance. Here’s a quick overview of the main tire types you’ll encounter on passenger vehicles.
- All-season tires: Built to provide acceptable performance in dry, wet, and light snow conditions. They offer a balanced ride and longer tread life but don’t excel in extreme cold or high-performance driving.
- All-weather tires: Marketed for year-round use in a wide range of climates, often carrying both M+S and 3PMSF markings. They aim to combine winter capability with all-season performance, making them a good option in moderate climates with seasonal changes.
- Winter (snow) tires: Optimized for cold temperatures, snow, and ice. They use a softer rubber compound and deeper tread for maximum grip in winter conditions; they are not ideal in warm weather and should be swapped out when temperatures rise.
- Summer tires: Designed for warm-weather focus, offering strong grip and handling in dry and wet conditions but poor performance in cold temperatures. They’re common on sports and performance cars.
- Performance and Ultra-High-Performance (UHP) tires: A subset of summer tires that prioritize cornering grip, steering response, and braking at high speeds. They tend to wear faster and are less suitable for cold or snowy conditions.
- Run-flat tires: Tires that can support the vehicle for a short distance after a puncture, allowing continued operation without immediate replacement. They are available in various tread patterns and sizes.
- Touring/all-season touring (grand touring) tires: Emphasize comfort, quiet ride, and long tread life, often used on sedans and crossovers for a balanced daily drive.
Choosing the right tire for your climate and driving
Climate, driving style, and manufacturer recommendations are key. In areas with harsh winters, dedicated winter tires or all-weather tires with strong snow performance offer the best grip. In warm locales or for performance driving, summer or UHP tires may deliver optimal handling, while all-season or touring tires provide a versatile compromise for year-round use.
Always verify that the tire type matches the vehicle’s recommended specifications, which you can find in the owner’s manual or on the door-jamb placard. Regularly check tread depth, inspect for wear patterns, and replace tires when they near the end of their safety life or age beyond recommendations.
Summary: Reading tire sidewall markings reveals the tire’s category, size, load and speed capabilities, and seasonal suitability. By understanding these codes and choosing tires that fit your climate and driving needs, you can maintain safety, efficiency, and performance on the road.
