#Understand tire size how to#

Now that you know how to read tire size, you can be sure that you’re getting the right tires for your car. R: This indicates that the tire is a radial tire. The taller the sidewall, the lower the aspect ratio. P: This indicates that the tire is a passenger car tire.Ģ15: This is the width of the tire in millimeters.Ħ5: This is the height of the tire, known as the aspect ratio. Here’s a quick guide to help you read tire size: But once you know the secret, it’s easy to read tire size. It’s not always immediately obvious how to decode the series of numbers and letters on the side of the tire. If you’re not sure how to read your car’s tire size, you’re not alone. The two-digit number after the slash mark is the rim diameter in inches HOW TO READ RIM SIZES AND UNDERSTAND RIM MEASUREMENTS.

Look at the sidewall of the tire and find the series of numbers following the letters “P” or “LT.A taller vehicle will need taller tires, while a shorter vehicle will need shorter tires. Knowing rim size is important when choosing tires because it affects the overall height of the vehicle. For example, a tire with the markings of P215/65R15 would have a width of 215 millimeters and a diameter of 15 inches. The width will be in millimeters, while the diameter will be in inches. Most tires will have the width and diameter inscribed on the sidewall. For example, a tire with the sidewall markings of 225/50R17 would have a width of 225 millimeters, a height of 50% of the width, and a 17-inch diameter wheel.Īnother way to tell rim size is to look at the tire itself. The sidewall will have a series of numbers and letters that indicate the width of the tire in millimeters, the height of the sidewall as a percentage of the width, and the diameter of the wheel in inches. The first is to look at the sidewall of the tire. There are a few easy ways to tell rim size on a tire. Rim size is an important factor in choosing the right tires for your vehicle.

Understand tire size