How do I know what size tyres are on my car?

Knowing the correct tire size for your vehicle is essential for maintaining its performance, safety, and handling. Whether you're replacing worn-out tires or simply curious about the specifications of your car, there are several ways to easily identify the tire size. In this article, we'll guide you through the process step-by-step.

Locating the Tire Size Information

The most reliable way to determine the tire size on your car is to check the information provided by the manufacturer. This information can typically be found in one of the following locations:

• Driver's side door jamb or door edge sticker: This sticker usually lists the recommended tire size, inflation pressure, and other important vehicle information.


• Owner's manual: Your vehicle's owner manual will have the recommended tire size and other specifications for your car.


• Tire information placard: This placard is often located in the driver's side door jamb or the glove box and provides the recommended tire size and inflation pressure.

If you can't find the tire size information in these locations, you can also check the sidewall of your current tires. The tire size is usually printed in a format like "P215/55R17," which indicates the tire's width, aspect ratio, and wheel diameter.

Understanding Tire Size Terminology

Tire sizes can seem confusing at first, but they follow a standard format that provides important details about the tire's specifications:

• P or LT: Indicates the tire type, with "P" for passenger vehicles and "LT" for light trucks.


• 215: The tire's width in millimeters.


• 55: The aspect ratio, which is the ratio of the tire's sidewall height to its tread width.


• R: Indicates a radial tire construction.


• 17: The wheel diameter in inches.

Understanding this format will help you accurately identify the correct replacement tires for your vehicle.

Verifying Tire Size Compatibility

When replacing tires, it's crucial to ensure that the new tires are compatible with your vehicle. Factors to consider include:

• Wheel size: The new tires must fit the existing wheel diameter.


• Load rating: The tire's load rating should match or exceed the vehicle's requirements.


• Speed rating: The tire's speed rating should be equal to or higher than the vehicle's top speed.

Consulting your owner's manual or speaking with a tire specialist can help you determine the appropriate tire size and specifications for your car.

Where is the tire size on my car?

You can find your car's tire size on the sidewall of the tire itself, or on a sticker located on the driver's side door jamb. The owner's manual is another reliable source for this information. 
This video explains how to read a tire's sidewall: 42sAutoWebYouTube · Jun 11, 2013
On the tire's sidewall

• Look for a string of numbers and letters like "P215/65R15" printed on the side of the tire, just above the wheel rim. 
• This code provides details about the tire's width, aspect ratio, construction, and rim diameter. 

On the driver's side door jamb

• Open the driver's side door and look for a sticker or placard on the door frame. 
• This sticker lists the vehicle's original equipment (OE) tire and wheel size and recommended tire pressure. 

In other locations

• Owner's Manual: The manual contains comprehensive information about your vehicle, including the correct tire size. 
• Glove Box Door: Some vehicles have a sticker with tire information inside the glove box door. 
• Gas Tank Hatch: You may also find a tire information sticker on the inside of the gas tank hatch. 

How to find out what size tires your car has?

Find the information in your vehicle owner's manual in the glove compartment or on the tire information sticker on your driver's side door. Usually those elements contain all the information related to your tire size and specifications as well as the appropriate tire pressure.

How do I tell what size my tyres are?

You can check a tire's size by looking at the sidewall, where you'll find a series of numbers and letters like "205/55 R16". Other places to find this information include the driver's side door jamb, inside the glove box, on the fuel flap, or in your vehicle's owner's manual.
 
On the tire's sidewall

• The first number is the tire's width: This is the width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall (e.g., 205205205 mm). 
• The second number is the aspect ratio: This is the tire's height as a percentage of its width (e.g., 555555%). 
• The letter and number after the slash indicate construction and rim diameter: 'R' stands for Radial construction, and the number is the diameter of the wheel in inches (e.g., R$16$). 
• The next number is the load index: This indicates the maximum load the tire can support. 
• The final letter is the speed rating: This shows the maximum speed the tire can handle. 

In your vehicle

• Door jamb: Look for a sticker on the driver's side door frame. 
• Glove box or fuel flap: Check inside the glove box door or on the inside of the fuel tank hatch. 
• Vehicle's owner's manual: This document contains all the specifications for your vehicle, including the recommended tire size. 

Can I look up tire size by VIN number?

No, a VIN number does not typically contain tire size information directly, but you can use a VIN lookup tool on many automotive websites to find the original equipment (OE) tire size for your vehicle's specific make, model, and trim. Other reliable methods include checking the sticker on your driver's side door jamb, your owner's manual, or the sidewall of your current tires. 
Ways to find your tire size

• Use a VIN lookup tool: Many websites, such as AutoZone, CARFAX, and Discount Tire, have VIN decoders that will provide your vehicle's specific trim and tire size. 
• Check the driver's side door jamb: This is the most common place to find a sticker with the original equipment tire size and recommended pressure. 
• Read your owner's manual: Your vehicle's manual will contain the recommended tire size for your specific model and trim. 
• Look at your current tires: The size is printed on the sidewall of your current tires, but be aware this may not be the original size if the tires have been changed. 
• Search online for your vehicle's make, model, and trim: This will help you find the correct specifications, as different trims of the same car can have different tire sizes.