1999 Honda Civic Owner's Manual - Page 248

Tire Information Tire Size Designation A tire's sidewall is marked with a tire size designation. You will need this information when selecting replacement tires for your vehicle. The following explains what the letters and numbers in the tire size designation mean. (Example tire size designation) P185/65R14 85S P - Applicable vehicle type (tires marked with the prefix "P" are intended for use on passenger cars; however, not all tires have this marking). 185 - Tire width in millimeters. 14 - Rim diameter in inches. 65 - Aspect ratio. The tire's section height as a percentage of its width. R - Tire construction code (Radial). 14 - Rim diameter in inches. Technical Information 85 - Load Index, a numerical code associated with the maximum load the tire can carry. S - Speed Symbol. See the speed rating chart in this section for additional information. Wheel Size Designation Wheels are also marked with important information that you need if you ever have to replace one. The following explains what the letters and numbers in the wheel size designation mean. (Example wheel size designation) 14x5J Tire Speed Ratings The chart below shows many of the different speed ratings currently being used for passenger vehicle tires. The speed symbol is part of the tire size designation on the sidewall of the tire. This symbol corresponds to that tire's designed maximum safe operating speed. 5 - Rim width in inches. J - Rim contour designation.