What does P mean in tire size?

What does P mean in tire size?

If there is a "P" on the sidewall, it stands for "passenger car." This refers to the U.S. (P-metric) method of tire sizing. "LT" stands for Light Truck, "ST" is for Special Trailer and "T" stands for Temporary, which is primarily used for small spare tires.

What is P metric tire size?

Occasionally tires have a “p” listed in front of the tire size. The “P” in “p-metric” stands for passenger vehicle. Passenger vehicles are cars (for example sedans or coupes), minivans, or CUVs, but can also be trucks that do not carry extra heavy loads or run on gravel roads.

What is a hard metric tire size?

If you see a “P” in front of the tire size displayed on a tire's sidewall it is a P-metric tire. If there's no P, it's a Metric tire (also called Euro-metric or Hard-Metric). In the past, P-metrics were the most common size designation found on domestic cars, minivans, and light-duty pickups and SUVs.

What does XL mean on a tire?

When talking about tires, XL really means extra load. These tires can use higher air pressure to support more weight than a standard tire of the same size. If you want to see whether your current tires are standard or extra load, you can check the service description on the tire's sidewall.

What does AT stand for on tires?

A/T – means All Terrain tire. The tire is designed to handle both off and on road driving. The tread design is more rugged compared to the H/T that is why it is favored by SUV owners who are going after the looks. M/T – means Mud Terrain. This is the ultimate “macho” tire as evident with its aggressive tread design.

What is Load Range D on a tire?

Load range C, load range D, or load range E tires are capable of greater loads. … Standard Load tires are limited by the load that can be supported with a maximum inflation pressure of 35 psi. Extra Load-rated tires are limited to the load that can be carried at a maximum inflation pressure of 41 psi.

What is a light truck tire?

LT/Light Truck tires? Light truck tires are built for heavy vehicles and heavy loads. It all comes down to what the vehicle is designed to do. Passenger Tires are for vehicles that are designed for personal use – like hatchbacks, sedans, coupes, and crossovers.

What does 10 ply mean on a tire?

Light truck tires, including those with heavy-duty ratings (10 ply and above), generally have only two or three plies. In other words, ply rating is merely a reflection of how strong a tire is in terms of withstanding higher inflation pressures and carrying heavier loads.

What does SL mean on a tire?

SL stands for Standard Load and XL indicates extra load. An SL-rated tire has its maximum load capacity at an inflation pressure of 35 psi. XL tires can carry a heavier load when inflated to 41 psi.

What does LTX mean on tires?

The LTX of the LTX indicates that this all-season tire is designed for light trucks and SUVs. When purchasing tires, it's very important to know the exact dimensions necessary for your vehicle.

Are LT tires better for towing?

P-series tires are lighter, more fuel efficient and ride better. LT tires may ride somewhat harsher when the truck is empty or lightly loaded but are stronger and better suited to heavy loads and towing, for which you qualify on both counts. … The LT tire, on the other hand, can carry 2,470 pounds at 50 psi.

What is E load range?

The load range is identified by a letter of the alphabet, usually from A to F, which represents the ply rating and load pressure. A rating of "E" on the tire means the tire has a ply rating 10 and a load pressure of 80 psi.

What is a 3/4 ton truck?

Pickup trucks typically come in three weight classes: 1/2-ton, 3/4-ton and 1-ton. These numbers don't directly refer to the payload of the trucks, however. Rather, they are a hold-over from past. … In general, a 1/2-ton truck is considered light-duty, a 3/4-ton truck medium-duty and a 1-ton truck heavy-duty.

What is the recommended tire pressure for LT tires?

Recommended pressure is usually between 30 and 35 PSI. That number indicates the minimum amount of air pressure needed to support your vehicle’s maximum load-carrying capacity. Any less, and you'll see poor fuel economy and handling as well as premature wear from too much flexing and tire overloading.

What is the recommended tire pressure for 80 psi max?

The maximum inflation of the 265 in the E range is 80 psi and the maximum inflation of the 285 in the D is 65.

What are all terrain tires used for?

They are designed to be versatile and give extra traction on back roads while still giving a comfortable ride on highways and when driving in the city. The all-terrain provides a practical compromise between off-road maximum traction tires and highway all-season tires.