What size tire goes on a Chevy Equinox?
The correct tire size for a Chevy Equinox depends on the model year and trim; check the door placard or owner's manual to confirm the OEM size for your specific vehicle.
Because Chevy released multiple generations with different wheel configurations, there isn’t a single universal tire size for all Equinox models. The exact size you need is specified by the factory and can vary if you’ve swapped wheels or upgraded trims. Always verify the size before purchasing replacements to ensure proper fit, performance, and safety.
Identify the correct tire size for your Equinox
Use these steps to locate the exact tire size for your vehicle and ensure you buy the correct tires for your trim and drivetrain.
- Door jamb placard: Open the driver’s door and read the tire information placard on the door jamb or pillar. It lists the OEM tire size (often shown as something like P235/65R17), along with recommended cold tire pressures and load index.
- Current tire sidewall: Look at the sidewall of any fitted tire for a size code like P235/65R17. The code is usually printed in one line near the other tire markings.
- Owner’s manual and Chevrolet resources: Check the vehicle’s owner’s manual or the Chevrolet official tire information page for your model year and trim to confirm the recommended size and any caveats.
- Dealer or VIN lookup: If you’re unsure, a Chevrolet dealer or an authorized service center can look up the exact OEM size for your specific VIN.
With these steps, you’ll identify the correct tire size to use when shopping for replacements or upgrades, ensuring proper fit, performance, and safety for your Equinox.
Understanding tire size codes
Tire sizes use a code that conveys width, aspect ratio, construction, and wheel diameter. For example, a code such as P235/65R17 can be decoded as follows:
Common size formats you may encounter
In practice, you’ll see sizes that begin with P (for passenger vehicles) or LT (for light trucks), followed by numbers that indicate width, a slash and aspect ratio, a letter indicating construction, and a wheel diameter in inches. The exact format you’ll encounter depends on the model year, trim, and wheel package. Always rely on the OEM specification for your car’s exact size.
The width (first number) is measured in millimeters across the tread, the aspect ratio (second number) is the sidewall height as a percentage of width, the R denotes radial construction, and the final number is the wheel diameter. This code helps you compare tires and verify compatibility with your Equinox’s wheels and suspension, but the OEM size should be your guide.
Notes for replacement tires
When replacing tires, you can generally replace with the same size as the OEM, or with sizes that maintain the same overall diameter to preserve speedometer accuracy. If you choose a different size, consider the impact on ride quality, gearing, traction, and stability control systems. For all-season use, stick to tires with similar load indexes and speed ratings as originally specified.
In all cases, confirm the size precisely for your year and trim, especially if you’re buying used or aftermarket wheels, to ensure compatibility with the wheel wells, braking system, and the suspension geometry of your Equinox.
Summary
The tire size for a Chevy Equinox is not universal; it depends on the model year and trim. Always verify using the door placard, the owner's manual, or Chevy’s official resources. Understanding the size code helps you shop confidently, and sticking to the OEM specifications will preserve safety, performance, and electronics compatibility.
