A Practical Guide: How to Identify Your Tire Size

Hey everyone! Today, let's tackle a fundamental part of car ownership: figuring out your tire size. It's not as complicated as it sounds, so let's break it down step by step.

• Inspect the Sidewall: Start by taking a look at the side of your tire. You'll see a combination of letters and numbers stamped there. These hold the key to understanding your tire size.

• Decipher the Code: The tire size usually follows this format: P215/65R15. Let's decode it. The first letter, "P," indicates the tire type (passenger). The numbers "215" represent the tire's width in millimeters. "65" is the aspect ratio, showing the tire's sidewall height as a percentage of its width. Then, "R15" tells us the tire's construction (Radial) and the diameter of the wheel it fits (15 inches).

• Understand Load Index and Speed Rating: You might notice additional characters like "91H" after the size. These denote the tire's load index (maximum weight it can support) and speed rating (maximum safe speed).

• Don't Forget the Spare: Take a peek at your spare tire too. Its size is usually found on the sidewall or in your vehicle's manual.

• Verify the Details: Once you've got your tire size, it's always a good idea to double-check it. Sometimes, vehicles may have different tire sizes, especially if they've been modified.

• Consult the Pros: If you're unsure or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to experts like those at Performance Tire & Auto. They're there to help you out.

Understanding your tire size might seem like a small detail, but it's important for your vehicle's performance and safety. Plus, knowing your tire size makes shopping for replacements much easier. With this knowledge, you're ready to hit the road confidently with Performance Tire & Auto by your side. We also have a tire size search tool, just enter your car's make and model to see all of the tires available or give us a call and talk with one of our tire experts!