What Size Tires Do I Need?

So, it’s time to change your tires and you’re not quite sure what size you should go with. Well there’s plenty of ways to find that information and at Andy Mohr KIA we want to help you find the right tires. After reading this guide, Avon, Indianapolis, and Plainfield drivers will be equipped with the knowledge they need to get the ideal tires for their car.

How Does Tire Size Work?

When you’re looking for the right tires for your vehicle, it’s very important to consider their size. Every car is designed with different tire dimensions in mind, and so you want to be sure when you’re equipping your vehicle with new ones.

The good thing about tire size is that many vehicles are engineered to take a few different types of tire sizes, so you have some leeway with what you can choose. If you’re interested in learning what tires your car can use, it’s a good practice to consult your user manual for a full table on what your model can use.

Where to Find Your Tire Size

Every car requires a specific tire size and finding the right one is fairly easy to do. Likely the easiest method of finding your recommended tire size is in your user manual. Typically, your user manual will list off all the types of tires that can be used with your vehicle.

Another place you might be able to find your tire size is on your driver’s side pillar. This information is placed here to provide you with a guide in the event that you’re missing any original tires and the user manual.

Finally, probably the quickest way to check your tire size is simply on the tires themselves. Each tire will have a code printed on it that features their comprehensive dimensions. When you want to simply use the same size tires you have now, this is where you would check.

This code will appear as raised numbers and letters along your sidewall and it’s important to know how to read this code when changing tires.

How to Read Tire Size Codes

A typical tire size code will consist of five parts that tell you the type, width, and diameter of the tire. At the start you’ll usually have a letter or two, possibly either a “P” for passenger car or “LT” for light truck. After this is a 3-digit number for the width of the tire, measured in millimeters.

After this you’ll have a 2-digit number, this is a percentage of the width in relation to the tire’s height. If this number is 50, that means the tire is half as wide as it is tall. Next is a letter that tells you how the tire is constructed. This will likely be an “R” for radial construction or a “B” for bias construction.

Finally, we have a 2-digit number measured in inches that represents the tire’s diameter. Typically, your tire size code will look something like this: P215/55R17.

Keep Up with Your Tire Replacements with Us

Changing your tires is a very important part of your car’s maintenance, but you want to be sure you’re always using the right tires. At Andy Mohr KIA, we’re here to provide Avon, Indianapolis, and Plainfield drivers with comprehensive tire replacements at our service center.

If you’re interested in having your tires changed with us, schedule an appointment online or over the phone today.

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