When it is time to purchase new tires for your car, it is important to be sure you purchase the proper tire size. Every car has different needs when it comes to tire width, height, and construction type. Trucks and cars often have different needs, as do commercial vehicles versus passenger vehicles. Let’s take a look at what your tire size means and how you can find out what size tire you need.
What does your tire size mean?
Your car’s tire size will look something like “P215/60R16”. Each of these letters and numbers has a specific meaning. To begin with, a tire with a “P” designation is for a passenger car, while a tire with an “LT” designation is for a light truck.
The next number tells you the width of the tire. Width is measured from sidewall to sidewall and designated in millimeters. In the example above, the width is 215 millimeters. The number directly after the slash is the aspect ratio. The aspect ratio indicates the ratio of the tire’s cross-section height to its width. In the example above, the “60” means that the height is 60% of the width of the tire.
A letter designation comes next. This will either be an “R” or a “B”. These letters indicate the tire’s construction type. The most common type is “R”, or radial, meaning that the layers of the tire run radially across the tire. “B” is for bias construction. In bias construction, the tire layers run diagonally across the tire.
The final number indicates the diameter of the rim. In the above example, the rim is 16 inches. You must always pick a tire that fits the rims you have unless you want to purchase new rims as well.
Where can you find your tire size?
There are several spots on your vehicle where you may find your proper tire size. First, the size is always on the sidewall of the tile. Other places you may be able to find your tire size inside your gas tank hatch, inside the door of your glove box, and on your driver’s side door jam. Each car is different, so you may need to check each spot to find where this information is. You can also find your tire’s PSI and other information where you find your tire size
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