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When it’s time to replace your tires, it’s essential to know the right size for your vehicle.Depending on the type of vehicle you drive, the following categories are important when selecting the appropriate tire:
√ Sedans or CUVs
√ Light Trucks or SUVs
√ Motorcycles
√ RVs
This information can typically be found inside the car's doorjamb or in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Understanding how tire sizing works is crucial to ensure that your current tires or replacement options meet your vehicle’s specifications. The series of numbers and letters on each tire provides detailed information.
The simplest method is to inspect your vehicle and check the current tire size on the sidewall of your tire, which follows the format shown in the image.
Most tires will indicate the size on the sidewall in the following order:
1. Tire Width (215 in this example)
2. Aspect Ratio(60 in this example)
3. Rim Diameter(16 in this example)
High-flotation tires will indicate the size on thé sidewall in the following order:
1. Overall Diameter(35 in this example)
2.Section Width(12.5 or 12.50 in this example)
3. Rim Diameter(17 in this example)
* If you're unsure about how to interpret these tire measurements, the guide below will help you read and understand the size. If you want to opt for a different tire size or type, it's a good idea to consult an authorized tire retailer for expert advice, as different sizes may require specific load capacities, rim widths, or inflation pressures.
Most passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks (1/2 ton or smaller) typically come with P-Metric or Euro-Metric tires. P-Metric tires are marked with a “P” before the number sequence (e.g., P225/70R16 97H), indicating a “passenger car” designation, while Euro-Metric tires will have no letter before the size (e.g., 225/70R16 98H).
For larger vehicles like SUVs, pickup trucks, or vans, you may see different tire types like LT-Metric or Euro-Metric Commercial (C-type), which are designed for heavier-duty trucks and vans. These tires are marked with an "LT" (e.g., LT245/75R17 119/116R) or "C" (e.g., 23/65R16C 121/119R), signifying a light truck application.
Other tires that fall under Metric sizing include Temporary Spares (marked with “T”) and Special Trailer (ST) tires for trailers.
√ Width: The first number represents the tire’s width in millimeters (e.g., P225 means 225 millimeters).
√ Aspect Ratio: The second number is the tire’s aspect ratio, indicating the height as a percentage of the width (e.g., 70 means the height is 70% of the tire’s width).
√ Construction: The letter following the aspect ratio indicates the tire’s internal construction: "R" for radial (the most common) or "D/B/–" for bias ply.
√ Rim Diameter: The next number represents the rim diameter in inches (e.g., 16 inches for P225/70R16).
√ Load Index: The load index number shows how much weight the tire can support when fully inflated.
√ Speed Rating: The final letter shows the tire’s maximum speed capacity (e.g., “S” means up to 112 mph).
Flotation tire sizing is often used for off-road tires on light trucks or SUVs. This sizing differs from Metric tires, as it primarily uses overall diameter and section width in inches rather than millimeters.
√ Overall Diameter: The first number (33 inches) represents the tire’s total diameter.
√ Section Width: The second number (12.50 inches) is the tire’s width.
√ Construction: Like Metric tires, "R" refers to radial construction.
√ Rim Diameter: The tire fits a 17-inch rim.
√ LT Type: The "LT" indicates this tire is designed for light trucks.
√ Load Index and Speed Rating: The load index and speed rating follow the same system as Metric tires.
Some tires are graded under the UTQG system, which helps you compare tire performance. It applies to passenger car tires, excluding winter tires, light truck tires, and motorcycles.
√ Treadwear: This rating reflects how well the tire wears over time based on a 6,000-mile government test. A tire with a 150 grade lasts 1.5 times longer than one with a 100 grade.
√ Traction: This grade (AA, A, B, C) measures the tire's performance in stopping on wet roads.
√ Temperature: This grade (A, B, C) indicates the tire’s resistance to heat buildup, which can cause failure if excessive.
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