Where do I find my OEM tire size?
The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) tire size for your vehicle can be easily found in a few different places. This information is crucial for ensuring you purchase the correct replacement tires that will fit your car or truck properly.
Where to Find Your OEM Tire Size
There are a few common places you can locate your vehicle's OEM tire size:
- Tire Information Placard: This is a label typically located on the driver's side door jamb, the glove box door, or the fuel door. It will list the recommended tire size, inflation pressure, and other important tire information.
- Owner's Manual: Your vehicle's owner's manual will have the OEM tire size listed, usually in a section dedicated to tire and wheel specifications.
- Tire Sidewall: The tire size is printed on the sidewall of each tire. This can be used to verify the OEM size, but the placard or owner's manual are more authoritative sources.
Once you've located the OEM tire size, you can use this information to purchase the correct replacement tires that will fit your vehicle properly and maintain its performance and safety.
Why OEM Tire Size Matters
Using the correct OEM tire size is important for several reasons:
- Proper Fit: Tires that are the wrong size can rub against the vehicle's fenders or suspension components, leading to potential damage.
- Speedometer Accuracy: Tires that are a different size than the OEM specification can cause the speedometer and odometer to display inaccurate readings.
- Handling and Performance: Tires that are not the correct size can negatively impact the vehicle's handling, braking, and overall driving dynamics.
- Warranty Compliance: Using non-OEM tires may void the vehicle manufacturer's warranty, so it's important to stick with the recommended tire size.
By following the OEM tire size recommendations, you can ensure your vehicle's tires provide the best possible fit, performance, and safety.
Can I find my tire size by VIN number?
No, a VIN number does not typically contain tire size information directly, but you can use a VIN lookup tool on many automotive websites to find the original equipment (OE) tire size for your vehicle's specific make, model, and trim. Other reliable methods include checking the sticker on your driver's side door jamb, your owner's manual, or the sidewall of your current tires.
Ways to find your tire size
- Use a VIN lookup tool: Many websites, such as AutoZone, CARFAX, and Discount Tire, have VIN decoders that will provide your vehicle's specific trim and tire size.
- Check the driver's side door jamb: This is the most common place to find a sticker with the original equipment tire size and recommended pressure.
- Read your owner's manual: Your vehicle's manual will contain the recommended tire size for your specific model and trim.
- Look at your current tires: The size is printed on the sidewall of your current tires, but be aware this may not be the original size if the tires have been changed.
- Search online for your vehicle's make, model, and trim: This will help you find the correct specifications, as different trims of the same car can have different tire sizes.
How to read factory tire size?
For example, 205 means that your tire is nominally 205 mm wide. The second number is the relationship between a tire's sidewall height and the tire's width. It is expressed as a percentage. For example, 55 indicates that the sidewall height, between the top of the tread and the rim, is 55% of the tire width.
Where can I find tire size info?
You can find your tire size on the sidewall of the tire, on a sticker inside the driver's side door jamb, or in your owner's manual. The tire size is usually a code like "P215/65R15" that indicates the tire's width, aspect ratio, construction, and wheel diameter.
Primary locations to check
- Sidewall of the tire: Look for the series of numbers and letters, such as "P215/65R15", which provides detailed information about the tire's dimensions and type.
- Driver's side door jamb: Open the driver's door and look for a sticker or placard on the door frame. This label often shows the manufacturer's recommended tire size and inflation pressure.
- Owner's manual: Your vehicle's owner's manual is a comprehensive resource that includes the correct tire size and other specifications.
Other potential locations
- Fuel filler door: In some vehicles, the tire information placard is located on the inside of the fuel filler door.
- Glove box: The information may also be found on a sticker inside the glove box.
What the code means
- P: Tire class (e.g., P for passenger).
- 215: Tire's section width in millimeters (distance from sidewall to sidewall).
- 65: Aspect ratio, the tire's height as a percentage of its width.
- R: Tire construction type (R for radial).
- 15: Wheel diameter in inches.
How to find OEM tire size?
The placard can be located on the door edge, doorpost, glove box, or fuel door. Examples of passenger and light truck vehicle placards with original equipment manufacturers (OEM) tire specifications placards: Your driver's side door jamb.
