Here’s what those numbers and letters on a tire sidewall mean

Learn how to “read” tires.

When comparing two or more cars, car enthusiasts often talk about the performance numbers. These are the most common figures that are often presented – and it’s okay. All these numbers are irrelevant if you do not consider one important factor: tires.

gives a good description of what a tires are. It is “a ring-shaped part that surrounds a tire’s rim to transfer vehicle’s loads from the axle through it to the ground and provide traction on any surface. There are many differences among tires. A new YouTube video, Engineering Explained, will help you to understand them better.

More guides:

Jason Fenske (the man who runs the Engineer Explained channel) explains in a scientific manner what the most common markings on tire sidewalls actually mean. He teaches us how “read” tires to make cars and coffee more interesting.

Fenske is using a Michelin Pilot Sport4 tire in a size 235/35R20, which is the factory rubber for his Tesla Model3 Performance. The tire sidewalls are covered in almost all of the letters and numbers that you would expect to see on modern tires. This gives us lots of information about the type of tire, production date, and origin.

Here's what those numbers and letters on a tire sidewall mean

Good tires make a difference:

The video at the top will show you one of the most fascinating things about tires. It shows whether the tire was designed and manufactured specifically for a particular vehicle. The tire’s TO designation indicates that it is specifically designed for the Model 3 Performance.