What are the available tire sizes?
Tire sizes are an essential consideration when it comes to vehicle maintenance and replacement. Understanding the available tire sizes can help you make informed decisions about the right tires for your vehicle. In this article, we'll explore the various tire size options and provide you with the necessary information to make an informed choice.
What Are Tire Sizes?
Tire sizes are a standardized way of describing the physical dimensions of a tire. They typically consist of a combination of numbers and letters that represent the tire's width, aspect ratio, wheel diameter, and other characteristics. The most common tire size format is: Width/Aspect Ratio R Wheel Diameter. For example, a tire size of 205/55R16 would indicate a tire with a width of 205 millimeters, an aspect ratio of 55, and a wheel diameter of 16 inches.
Common Tire Size Ranges
Tire sizes can vary widely depending on the make and model of the vehicle. Here are some of the most common tire size ranges:
- Passenger cars: 185/60R14 to 225/55R17
- SUVs and light trucks: 215/65R16 to 265/70R17
- Minivans and crossovers: 195/65R15 to 235/55R18
- High-performance vehicles: 225/40R18 to 295/30R20
It's important to note that the specific tire size recommended for your vehicle can be found in the owner's manual or on a placard located inside the driver's side door jamb.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Tire Sizes
When selecting new tires, there are several factors to consider beyond just the tire size. These include:
- Vehicle compatibility: Ensure the tire size is approved for your vehicle's make, model, and year.
- Load capacity: Choose tires with a load rating that can support the weight of your vehicle and its cargo.
- Speed rating: Select tires with a speed rating that matches or exceeds the top speed of your vehicle.
- Driving conditions: Consider the terrain and weather conditions you'll be driving in, and choose tires accordingly (e.g., all-season, winter, or high-performance tires).
By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that you select the right tires for your vehicle and driving needs.
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 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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
