What are the available tire sizes?
When it comes to replacing your vehicle's tires, understanding tire sizes is crucial for ensuring safety, performance, and compatibility with your car. At Kevin's Autos, we often get questions about tire sizes and how to choose the right ones. In this article, we’ll break down the basics of tire sizes, how to read them, and what options are available for different types of vehicles.
Understanding Tire Size Notation
Tire sizes are typically displayed on the sidewall of the tire in a standardized format, such as P215/65R15. Each part of this notation provides specific information about the tire:
- P: Indicates the tire type. "P" stands for passenger vehicle, while "LT" would indicate a light truck tire.
- 215: The width of the tire in millimeters, measured from sidewall to sidewall.
- 65: The aspect ratio, which is the height of the tire's sidewall as a percentage of its width. In this case, the sidewall height is 65% of the tire's width.
- R: Indicates the tire's construction type. "R" stands for radial, which is the most common type of tire construction today.
- 15: The diameter of the wheel (rim) in inches that the tire is designed to fit.
Common Tire Sizes for Different Vehicles
Tire sizes vary depending on the type of vehicle and its intended use. Here are some common categories and their typical tire sizes:
- Compact Cars: Common sizes include 175/65R14, 185/60R15, and 195/65R15.
- Sedans and Mid-Sized Cars: Popular sizes are 205/55R16, 215/60R16, and 225/50R17.
- SUVs and Crossovers: Typical sizes include 225/65R17, 235/60R18, and 245/50R20.
- Trucks and Light Trucks: Common sizes are 265/70R17, 275/65R18, and 285/60R20.
- Performance Vehicles: These often use low-profile tires like 245/40R18, 255/35R19, and 275/30R20.
How to Choose the Right Tire Size
Choosing the correct tire size is essential for maintaining your vehicle's performance and safety. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
- Check Your Owner’s Manual: The manufacturer’s recommended tire size can be found in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or on the tire information placard located on the driver’s side door frame.
- Match the Existing Tires: If you’re replacing a single tire or a set, ensure the new tires match the size of the existing ones unless you’re upgrading or changing specifications.
- Consider Your Driving Needs: If you frequently drive in snowy or off-road conditions, you may need tires with a different size or tread pattern to suit those environments.
- Consult a Professional: At Kevin's Autos, we’re always happy to help you determine the best tire size for your vehicle and driving habits.
Conclusion
Understanding tire sizes and selecting the right ones for your vehicle is an important part of car maintenance. Whether you drive a compact car, an SUV, or a performance vehicle, choosing the correct tire size ensures optimal performance, safety, and longevity. If you’re unsure about your tire size or need assistance, feel free to visit Kevin's Autos or give us a call. We’re here to help!
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the numbers 265-70R17 mean?
An arrow points to the numbers 265/70R17 115T on the inner part of the tire sidewall. 265 is the width, 70 is the aspect ratio, R stands for radial, 17 is the wheel diameter and 115T is the load index and speed symbol.
What is the difference between 225 65r17 and 225 60r17?
Can I fit 225/60-R17 or 225/65-R17? With 225/60 upsize, your rolling radius increases by ~1.75%. With 225/65 upsize, the rolling radius increases by 5%. The extra sidewall height may also affect the handling and ride comfort, usually handling slightly worse and comfort marginally better.
Are T or H tires better?
H-Rated Tires: This is a perfect, average tire for most sedans and commuter vehicles. It might not seem to fit in our chart, but the tire speed rating “H” is rated for up to 130 mph. T-Rated Tires: This tire is often recommended for family sedans and vans. It's rated for up to 118 mph.
What tire is bigger, 225 or 235?
The 235 tire is 10 millimeters wider than the 225. This may not sound like much, but the difference in performance, stability, and fuel efficiency can be noticeable.
How much bigger is a 275-70 than a 265-70?
Plus Sizes
| 265/70-17 | 275/70-17 | |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter inches (mm) | 31.61 (802.8) | 32.16 (816.8) |
| Width inches (mm) | 10.43 (265) | 10.83 (275) |
| Circum. inches (mm) | 99.29 (2522.07) | 101.03 (2566.05) |
| Sidewall Height inches (mm) | 7.3 (185.5) | 7.58 (192.5) |
What sizes do tires come in?
Common Tire Sizes
- 14 Inch Tires. Passenger Car and Light Truck/CUV/SUV Tire Sizes.
- 15 Inch Tires. Passenger Car and Light Truck/CUV/SUV Tire Sizes.
- 16 Inch Tires. Passenger Car and Light Truck/CUV/SUV Tire Sizes.
- 17 Inch Tires.
- 18 Inch Tires.
- 19 Inch Tires.
- 20 Inch Tires.
- 21 Inch Tires.
What is the size difference between a 285 and a 265 tire?
A 285 tire is 20mm wider than than a 265 tire. All else being equal, it will have slightly more grip and traction if it fits your vehicle. Obviously a summer 265 will have more dry weather grip than a 285 series all season tire. A cheap 285 may be less grippy than a premium 265.
Can I use 65 tires instead of 60?
It's generally not recommended to replace a tire with a different aspect ratio, especially if the aspect ratio difference is significant.
Can I use 275 tires instead of 265?
Going from 265 to 275 is fine on your car and you should not notice any difference in driving. It's less than a 4% difference in width: 10/265 = 0.0377).
What does 225 60R17 99H mean?
The 225/60R17 99H tyre has the following features: the first three digits 225 refer to the width of the tyre in millimetres. The second two-digit number 60 refers to the ratio between the height of the sidewall and the width of the tyre.
