Reading Sidewall
There is a lot of useful information molded into the sidewall of every tire.
Width of tire in millimetres
Dimension from sidewall to sidewall. Varies depending on the rim to which it is fitted - larger on a wide rim, smaller on a narrow rim.Ratio of height to width (aspect ratio)
Compares the tire's inflated section height (distance from the bead to the tread) to its maximum section width. Here, the tire's section height is 65% of the tire's section width.Radial
Also seen here: "D" for diagonal (bias ply tires) and "B" for belted (belted-bias ply tires).Diameter of wheel in inches
It's important for safety that the tires rim diameter matches the wheel rim diameter.Load index & speed symbol
"89" is the load carrying capacity. The speed symbol "H" means the maximum speed for which the tire is rated at the load of 89 is 130 mph. Tire speed ratings exceed the maximum speed capability of the vehicle to which they are fitted. We do not recommend the use of any of its tires above legal speed limits.U.S. DOT safety standard code
The Department of Transportation code number designates the manufacturer and plant where the tire was produced, the tire line and size, and the week and year the tire was manufactured.