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What is OEM tire size?

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) tire size refers to the specific tire dimensions that a vehicle manufacturer recommends for their vehicles. These tire sizes are chosen by the automaker to provide the optimal balance of performance, comfort, and safety for the vehicle's design and intended use.


What is OEM Tire Size?


OEM tire size is a standardized way of describing the physical dimensions of a tire. It typically includes the tire width, aspect ratio, wheel diameter, and load/speed rating. For example, a tire size of 225/55R17 would be interpreted as:



  • 225 - The tire width in millimeters

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

  • R - The construction type, in this case, radial

  • 17 - The wheel diameter in inches that the tire is designed to fit


The load and speed ratings are additional pieces of information that indicate the tire's maximum load capacity and top speed capability, respectively.


Why is OEM Tire Size Important?


OEM tire size is important because it ensures that the tires fitted to a vehicle are compatible with the vehicle's design and performance characteristics. Using the wrong tire size can negatively impact the vehicle's handling, braking, fuel efficiency, and even the speedometer/odometer accuracy. Automakers carefully select the OEM tire size to optimize the vehicle's overall performance and safety.


Finding the OEM Tire Size


The OEM tire size for a specific vehicle can typically be found in the owner's manual, on a placard located in the driver's side door jamb, or on the vehicle's tire information label. It's important to use the recommended OEM tire size when replacing tires to ensure the vehicle's performance and safety are maintained.


In summary, OEM tire size is a critical specification that ensures the tires fitted to a vehicle are compatible with the vehicle's design and performance characteristics. Understanding OEM tire size and using the recommended size when replacing tires is essential for maintaining the vehicle's optimal performance and safety.

Why do OEM tires not last?


However, the softer rubber's tread will wear down faster, as it's not as durable. Fortunately, while OEM tires typically use softer rubber, you can find specialty tires that use harder rubber and are designed to last longer.



How do I find OEM tires for my car?


Look for the Original Tire badging to find the OEM tire for your vehicle. If you do not know your vehicle's trim, check the back of your vehicle, owner's manual, an invoice, or even an insurance card. Sticking to the OEM tires ensures close to OE performance and a higher level of versatility.



What does OEM mean on wheels?


original equipment manufacturer
Other terms used interchangeably for OEM wheels are stock rims, factory wheel, and more loosely, take-off wheel. OEM stands for "original equipment manufacturer." OEM wheel manufacturers produce specific stock rims for every vehicle model and almost always there is more than one option.



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.



Are OEM tires different?


Furthermore, OEMs aren't identical across the board, and they can even differ among a specific brand's different styles or trims. The tires were specially manufactured to emphasize and highlight your vehicle's features. For example, a Jeep's OEM tires are significantly different that a hybrid's OEM tires.



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.



Can I use 275 tires instead of 265?


Surprises keep an eye on your speedometer. As it might display a slightly slower speed than your actual velocity due to the larger 275 tires covering more ground per Revolution compared to the 265.



Does my tire say my rim size?


You can find that on the sidewall of the tires on your original wheels or the inside frame of the driver's door. Check out Tire Size Explained (Reading the Sidewall) for more. The wheel diameter (in inches or millimeters) is the fifth set of numbers and letters.



How do I find the OEM of my car?


How to Find the OEM Part Number for Your Car. Your first port of call when looking for a specific part's OEM number should be on the component itself. If you have it to hand, and as long as it's not physically damaged beyond recognition, you should be able to find the number somewhere on the part.



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.


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.