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What is my original tire size?

Your original tire size is the tire size that came installed on your vehicle when it was new. This information is important to know when replacing tires or making modifications to your vehicle. Here's how you can determine your original tire size.


Locating the Tire Size Information


The easiest way to find your original tire size is to check the information placard located inside the driver's side door jamb of your vehicle. This placard will list the recommended tire size, as well as other important information about your vehicle's specifications.


You can also find the tire size information in your owner's manual or by looking at the sidewall of one of your current tires. The tire size is typically displayed in a format like "P215/55R17", which indicates the tire width, aspect ratio, and wheel diameter.


Understanding Tire Size Terminology



  • P - Indicates a passenger vehicle tire

  • 215 - The tire width in millimeters

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

  • R - Indicates a radial tire construction

  • 17 - The wheel diameter in inches


Knowing how to interpret this information will help you accurately identify your original tire size and ensure you purchase the correct replacement tires.


Considerations for Tire Replacements


When replacing your tires, it's important to match the original tire size as closely as possible. Deviating too far from the original size can affect your vehicle's handling, fuel efficiency, and even the speedometer accuracy. If you do need to change the tire size, consult with a professional to ensure the new tires are compatible with your vehicle.

How do I know my original tyre size?


Your tyre size can be found on the sidewall of your current tyre and is a sequence of numbers and letters.



How do I find my tire size with my VIN number?


Several resources can help decode VINs for tire size information:

  1. Manufacturer Websites: Many car manufacturers offer VIN lookup tools on their websites.
  2. Online VIN Decoders: Various free and paid services can decode VINs and provide vehicle specifications.
  3. Tire Retailer Websites: Many tire retailers offer lookup tools.



What is the OEM tire size?


OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, and the OEM tire sizes refer to the specific tire size that your vehicle's manufacturer recommends.



How can I find my original tire size?


Where can I find my tire size? The tire size for your vehicle and wheels can be found in two places: Sidewall of your tire. Inside frame of the driver side door.



What is the first set of number on tire size?


Width. The first number to appear in your tire size information is the width, in millimeters, of the correct tires for your vehicle: P225/70R16 91S. Tire width always refers to the measurement from one sidewall to another.



How to decode a VIN number?


Decoding your VIN

  1. The first character tells you where in the world the vehicle was built.
  2. The second character denote the manufacturer.
  3. The third character tells you the vehicle type or division.
  4. The fourth through the eighth characters tell you the vehicle brand, body style, engine size and type, model, and series.



How do I know my OEM wheel size?


Imprinted on a spoke of the OEM wheel is a number, such as 16x7. The “16” refers to the diameter, another way to discover this element, and the “7” refers to the rim's width. Some factory original wheels however, more often steel, display this number on the front side or face of the rim.



How do I read my car tire size?


The two-digit number after the slash mark in a tire size is the aspect ratio. For example, in a size P215/65 R15 tire, the 65 means that the height is equal to 65% of the tire's width. The bigger the aspect ratio, the bigger the tire's sidewall will be.



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).



How do I know my tire size?


Where Is the Tire Size Number? Your tire information isn't found in the owner's manual. It's found in two places: on the side of the tire or the inside of the driver's side door. It'll be a series of seven letters and seven numbers that can be initially hard to read.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.