Tire size explained: what 215/55R16 93H means
A tire size like 215/55R16 93H is five facts in one code: the tire is 215 mm wide, its sidewall is 55% as tall as it is wide, it has radial construction, it fits a 16-inch wheel, and 93H is its load and speed rating. That exact size is listed for the 2022 Honda Civic Sedan with the 2.0 L engine.
What does each part of a tire size mean?
Honda’s owner’s manual spells it out with the example P205/55 R16 89H (2022 Civic Sedan manual, p. 680):
| Part | Example | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle type | P | Passenger vehicle tire. Many sizes leave it off; LT means light truck. |
| Width | 215 | Tire width in millimeters |
| Aspect ratio | 55 | Sidewall height as a percentage of the width |
| Construction | R | Radial |
| Rim diameter | 16 | Wheel size in inches |
| Load index | 93 | A code for the most weight the tire can carry |
| Speed symbol | H | A letter code for the tire’s maximum speed rating |
What do the speed letters mean?
Common speed symbols and the top sustained speed each stands for, from Les Schwab’s tire size guide:
| Letter | S | T | H | V | W | Y |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max speed | 112 mph | 118 mph | 130 mph | 149 mph | 168 mph | 186 mph |
Replace tires with the same size, load index and speed rating your manual lists, or higher. The 2022 Civic Sedan’s 1.5 L lists both 235/40R18 91W and 235/40R18 95Y for the 18-inch wheel: the same size with different load and speed ratings.
What does a “T” or “D” in a spare tire size mean?
The 2022 Nissan Rogue’s spare is T155/80 D17. Chevrolet’s manual explains the first letter: “T” means the tire is for temporary use only (2021 Malibu manual, Tire Sidewall Labeling). The D in place of R means diagonal (bias-ply) construction (Les Schwab). Temporary spares have their own pressure and speed limits; most take 60 psi, see Spare tire pressure.
Where do I find my car’s tire size?
- On the tire. The size is molded into the sidewall.
- On the door label. The Tire and Loading Information label lists the original front, rear and spare sizes: see Finding the right tire pressure.
- In the owner’s manual. Each vehicle’s tire size page here lists every size its manual prints, by trim and wheel.
The size on your tires and the size on the label should match. If a previous owner fitted a different size, the label’s pressure may not apply.