What are my stock tire size?
Your stock tire size is the OEM size specified by the vehicle’s maker for your exact year, make, model, and trim. It’s usually listed on the driver’s door placard or in the owner’s manual. To tell you the precise size for your car, I’d need your year, make, model, and trim.
Understanding and locating the stock size matters because it affects ride quality, handling, speedometer accuracy, and safety. Tire sizes can vary by trim, optional wheels, and even production year, so it’s not safe to infer a size from appearance alone.
Where to look for the official size
The following sources are the quickest ways to verify your OEM tire size. Use them in order from most accessible to most authoritative.
- Driver’s door jamb placard: The most reliable quick check; look for a line labeled “Tire Size” or similar near the door hinge.
- Owner’s manual or the vehicle’s tire specifications section: Often found in the Maintenance or Tires chapter.
- Manufacturer’s website or dealership VIN lookup: Enter your VIN or model details to pull the original equipment tire size.
- Current tires (if they are still original): The sidewall will show a size, but this may reflect non-stock tires if you’ve replaced them.
By checking these sources, you can confirm the exact stock size for your car and avoid mismatches when replacing tires.
Reading the tire size code
Understanding the sidewall size helps you compare options and confirm compatibility. Here’s how to read a typical size such as P215/65R15.
- Type and load: P = passenger car; LT = light truck; T = temporary spare
- Section width: 215 mm, the width of the tire from sidewall to sidewall
- Aspect ratio: 65, the height of the sidewall as a percentage of the width
- Construction: R indicates radial construction
- Rim diameter: 15 inches, the wheel diameter the tire fits
- Load index and speed rating: 95H (load index 95, speed rating H)
Knowing how to read these codes helps ensure any replacement matches the original diameter and performance characteristics of your vehicle.
Should you change from stock size?
Manufacturers specify a stock tire size to maintain overall balance in ride, handling, and instrumentation. Using a larger or smaller size can affect speedometer accuracy, ABS and traction control calibration, and warranty coverage. If you’re considering a change, consult a professional or stick to approved alternatives from the manufacturer or tire maker, ensuring the overall diameter stays within a safe range (usually within a few percent of the original).
Summary
To determine your stock tire size, start with the door placard, then check the owner’s manual or VIN-based resources for the exact OEM specification. The tire size code on the sidewall reveals the key dimensions and ratings, which helps you choose safe, compatible replacements. If you share your vehicle’s year, make, model, and trim, I can confirm the exact stock size for you and help you explore suitable tire options.
