In P235/70R17, what does the 70 denote?

In P235/70R17, what does the 70 denote?

• A. The Section Width in mm
• B. The Wheel Diameter in inches
• C. The Tire Construction Type
• D. The Aspect Ratio of the tire

Answer: (D)

The 70 is the aspect ratio, which is the sidewall height expressed as a percentage of the tire’s width. With a width of 235 mm, the sidewall height would be 0.70 × 235 ≈ 165 mm. This ratio tells you how tall the sidewall is relative to the width and influences ride feel and handling: a lower aspect ratio means a shorter, stiffer sidewall and sharper handling, while a higher ratio means more sidewall and a softer ride. In this size, the 235 is the section width in millimeters, the R indicates radial construction, and the 17 is the wheel diameter in inches. The P signifies a passenger car tire.

The 70 is the aspect ratio, which is the sidewall height expressed as a percentage of the tire’s width. With a width of 235 mm, the sidewall height would be 0.70 × 235 ≈ 165 mm. This ratio tells you how tall the sidewall is relative to the width and influences ride feel and handling: a lower aspect ratio means a shorter, stiffer sidewall and sharper handling, while a higher ratio means more sidewall and a softer ride. In this size, the 235 is the section width in millimeters, the R indicates radial construction, and the 17 is the wheel diameter in inches. The P signifies a passenger car tire.