How To Read A Tire Size 
The sidewall of a tire makes good reading - if you know how to interpret the information you'll find there.  Take a look at these basic definitions. a-mich.gif (14424 bytes)
 1.     205  Width of the tire in millimeters.
 2.     55  Aspect ratio - This sidewall's height is roughly 55% of the tire's width.
 3.      R  For radial construction
 4.     16  Nominal rim diameter code of the wheel on which the tire fits.
 5.     88  Load index is a numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can carry under certain service conditions.
 6.      V  Speed symbol - This tire can carry a specified load under specified service conditions at speeds up to 149 mph.
 7.     88V  Service description, a combination of the Load Index and Speed Symbol.

Service Description
The service description contains a two-digit number (load index) and a letter (speed rating).
In this example (left) the service description has a load index of 82 and a speed rating of H.
Note: Some size designations may be preceded by a "P", signifying Passenger or "LT", signifying Light Truck.