Tires are some of the most important parts of any vehicle. As the only things that touch the ground, they're what help you move around Wakefield, Reading and Danvers. They're also what grip the road to help you come to a complete stop. That's why it's crucial to get the right-sized tires for your car. But how do you know what the right size is?
To help answer that question, we here at Ira Subaru created this guide on how to read tire size. Read all about it below and don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Where to Find Tire Size
There are several places to find tire size. These include:
- Your driver's side door jamb.
- Inside the glove box door.
- Within the gas tank hatch.
But the most common place to find tire size is on the tire sidewall.
Reading a Tire Sidewall
On the tire sidewall, you'll find a list of letters and numbers. These indicate the size, type and performance of the tire.
- You'll usually find the letter P at the beginning. This means the tire is for a passenger vehicle, which is usually what the average person is driving. However, you could also see LT, which means the tire is for a light truck.
- Next, you'll find three numbers, indicating tire width. The width is measured in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall. So, if your tire starts off as P215, it means the passenger tire is 215 millimeters in width.
- After the width, you'll see a /, followed by two more digits. This is the aspect ratio, or the ratio of the tire's cross-section height to its width. If the number were 65, then the height would be equal to 65% of the tire's width. The bigger the aspect ratio, the bigger the tire sidewall would be.
- After the aspect ratio, you'll find the letter R. This stands for Radial, or the layers that run diagonally across a tire.
- Right after that are two more numbers, which indicate wheel diameter. This is the size of the wheel measured from one end to another. It basically tells you the size of the wheel that the tire is intended to fit. So, if the sidewall says 15, then the tire is made for a wheel with a 15-inch diameter.
Our Tire Center
If you need help finding your tire size, or if you need a repair or replacement, then visit our tire shop. Our factory-trained technicians have years of experience working on all types of tires. Therefore, they can give your car the proper tire rotation, inspection or replacement that it needs.
Plus, we only offer top-quality tires. These come in several brands, including Michelin, Continental, Dunlap, Goodyear and Bridgestone.
We also have plenty of tire specials. Whether you need a wheel alignment, tire balancing or a new set, you can save a great deal with our specials. Check out our website frequently, as these do change from time to time.
Contact Us for More Information or Tire Service Today!
At Ira Subaru, we believe you deserve premier tire service. This includes helping you learn how to read tire size and replacing the tires, if needed.
If you need any type of auto service, be it with your tires or something else, then contact us today. We love serving drivers throughout Wakefield, Reading and Danvers, and we look forward to serving you.
