1996 Mercury Cougar Tire Size

Your 1996 Mercury Cougar was manufactured with multiple tire sizes.  Choose a tire size below to get a color-coded explanation of the differences.  Then pick the best tire size for your 1996 Mercury Cougar.

The original tire size for your 1996 Mercury Cougar is P205/70R15 95S.  A color-coded explanation of the 1996 Mercury Cougar's tire size is shown below.

P

This letter denotes the intended use of the tire.

PPassenger Vehicle
LTLight Truck
CCommercial Vehicle
205

This number indicates that your tire has a width of 205 millimeters.

15

The tire size was designed to fit rims or wheels that are 15 inches in diameter.

95

This tire has a load index of 95, which means it's capable of carrying a load of 1518 pounds (690 kg) or less.  A higher number means the tire can carry more weight.  A lower number means the opposite.

70

This number means that your tire has an aspect ratio of 70%.  In other words, your tire's sidewall height (from the edge of the rim to the tire's tread) is 70% of the width.  In this case, the sidewall height works out to be 143 millimeters.

R

This letter denotes how your tire was constructed.  Radial is the standard construction method for about 99% of all tires sold today.

RRadial
BBias Belt
DDiagonal
S

This tire has a speed rating of S, which means 111 mph (180 km/h) is the maximum speed that can be sustained for 10 minutes.  A higher speed becomes dangerous.

The original tire size for your 1996 Mercury Cougar is P215/70R15 97T.  A color-coded explanation of the 1996 Mercury Cougar's tire size is shown below.

P

This letter denotes the intended use of the tire.

PPassenger Vehicle
LTLight Truck
CCommercial Vehicle
215

This number indicates that your tire has a width of 215 millimeters.

15

The tire size was designed to fit rims or wheels that are 15 inches in diameter.

97

This tire has a load index of 97, which means it's capable of carrying a load of 1606 pounds (730 kg) or less.  A higher number means the tire can carry more weight.  A lower number means the opposite.

70

This number means that your tire has an aspect ratio of 70%.  In other words, your tire's sidewall height (from the edge of the rim to the tire's tread) is 70% of the width.  In this case, the sidewall height works out to be 150 millimeters.

R

This letter denotes how your tire was constructed.  Radial is the standard construction method for about 99% of all tires sold today.

RRadial
BBias Belt
DDiagonal
T

This tire has a speed rating of T, which means 118 mph (190 km/h) is the maximum speed that can be sustained for 10 minutes.  A higher speed becomes dangerous.