What is my OEM wheel size?
As a car owner, knowing your vehicle's OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) wheel size is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and safety. Whether you're looking to replace your wheels, upgrade your tires, or simply want to ensure you're using the correct specifications, this guide will help you understand how to find and interpret your OEM wheel size.
What is OEM Wheel Size?
OEM wheel size refers to the specific dimensions and specifications of the wheels that were originally installed on your vehicle by the manufacturer. This includes the diameter, width, bolt pattern, and offset of the wheels. Using the correct OEM wheel size is essential for ensuring proper fitment, handling, and safety.
How to Find Your OEM Wheel Size
Finding your vehicle's OEM wheel size can be done through several methods:
- Owner's Manual: The easiest way to find your OEM wheel size is to check your vehicle's owner's manual. This document typically includes detailed specifications for your car, including wheel size.
- Sticker on the Door Jamb: Many vehicles have a sticker located on the driver's side door jamb that lists important information, including tire and wheel specifications.
- Online Resources: Websites dedicated to automotive specifications can provide OEM wheel sizes based on your vehicle's make, model, and year.
- Consult a Professional: If you're unsure, visiting a trusted auto service center like Kevin's Autos can help you get accurate information about your OEM wheel size.
Why is OEM Wheel Size Important?
Using the correct OEM wheel size is important for several reasons:
- Safety: Incorrect wheel sizes can lead to handling issues, increased tire wear, and even accidents.
- Performance: OEM wheels are designed to work with your vehicle's suspension and braking systems, ensuring optimal performance.
- Warranty Considerations: Using non-OEM wheels may void certain warranties, so it's essential to stick to the manufacturer's specifications.
Conclusion
Understanding your OEM wheel size is a key aspect of vehicle maintenance. By knowing how to find this information and why it matters, you can make informed decisions about your car's wheels and tires. If you have any questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to us at Kevin's Autos for expert advice and service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does R16 mean on a tire?
Tyre Sidewall Markings Explained
“R16” where the number is is the rim diameter, determined diagonally from rim edge to rim edge (in inches), and the “R” refers to radial tyres, which are the most common tyres found on the road nowadays.
What is my factory tire size?
If you don't know your tire size, you can just read the sidewall of your current tires. It's suggested that you snap a photo or write it down somewhere safe. You can also find the sizing on your vehicle's door placard, which is a sticker that's typically located inside the driver's door.
How do I identify my wheel manufacturer?
Many times you can identify a factory OEM rim by checking for the vehicle maker logo on the backside (Think Ford logo, Chevy logo, etc), and also there will almost always be OEM type numbers on the back of the wheel which sometimes includes the actual part number.
How do I know my OEM wheel size?
Look at the backside of the wheel.
If it's an original wheel, you'll ordinarily see imprinted on the spokes the make, origin country, OEM number, and size. But for a steel stock wheel, you may find the wheel size on the front side, or the face, of the wheel. For example, the size of the wheel will look like “18x7 ½ ”.
Where do I find my OEM tire size?
One of the easiest and most reliable ways to locate your OEM tire size is on the driver's side door jamb.
How do I find out my car wheel size?
Identifying your tyre size is quick and easy. You can find this information on the sidewall of your tyre, as shown in the image.
Can you find wheel size by VIN number?
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-character code assigned to every motor vehicle when it's manufactured. This code contains crucial information about the vehicle's make, model, year, and specifications – including details that can help determine the correct tire size.
How do I tell what size my rims are?
The rim size is denoted by the last number in the tire size code. It represents the diameter of the rim in inches. For example, in the code P215/65R15, the rim size is 15 inches. In the code 225/50ZR17, the rim size is 17 inches.
Where is rim size stamped?
You can find it on the rim - it's often stamped on the inside of the rim , for example on one of the spokes.
What is OEM tire size?
OE tires (sometimes called OEM tires for “Original Equipment Manufacturer”) are those tires that are specified by the vehicle manufacturer and are initially fitted to the vehicle when new.