How To Read a Tire Sidewall?

In addition to the tire brand and model, the sidewall always indicates the critical information regarding size and capacities.

Knowing your tire size and dimensions is essential when it comes to getting the best wheels for your vehicle and ensuring you’re equipped to face the harsh winters of Quebec.

What Are Tire Dimensions? 

Here is the explanation for the different details of a tire identified as 185/70 R 14 88H:

• 185: Corresponds to the width of the tire’s section in millimetres; the higher this value, the wider the tire.
• 70: Determines the ratio between the sidewall’s height and the section’s width; in this example, the sidewall’s height equals 70% of the section’s width. The lower this value, the lower the tire’s profile.
• R: Refers to the construction type: R = radial.
• 14: Tire’s inside diameter expressed in inches; it obviously should match the rim’s size onto which the tire will be mounted.
• 88: Load rating the tire can support at maximum inflation; in this instance, 560 kg (cf. chart).
• H: Indicates the speed rating for which the tire has been designed; this tire can therefore be driven at a maximum speed of 210 km/h (cf. chart).

Choosing The Right Tire

Now that you understand how tire size works, you’re equipped to choose the best tire dimensions for your vehicle!

Point S can help you find the right tires to match your car’s dimensions (tire width, ratio, and diameter). You can also check out our tire selection tool by size: 

Find your new tires.