ALT-1 Finding the right Size Tires for your Car
So you want to find out the size of your tires. Chances are this means you shopping for a new set and have never taken the time to check before. Well if you're going to go talk to tire salesmen you had better buff up on this. Don't let them teach you everything about your car or they will have more power over you, and I can say that because I was a tire salesperson for a year.You can always check the side of your tire for this information. Every tire sold in the United States must have it printed on the sidewall. Some low profile tires are harder to read since the manufacturer was working with limited space to print on. Even though that is a good way to find this information, if you are driving a used vehicle the previous owner may have modified the tire size for one reason or the other so the most accurate source is the tire placard on the driver's side door frame, or your owner's manual. If the tire size has been modified you need to try to figure out why, and decide if you want to stick with what is on your vehicle or go back to the OE (original equipment) fitments.The size may look something like this P225/60R16 92T, or LT255/70R17 110S. All newly manufactured tires will appear this way so unless your car hasn't been driven in ten or more years you'll find this information.The letters "P" or "LT" are what kind or fitments they are, passenger or light truck. You do not necessarily need LT tires on a pick up but if they are on there already that probably means you will want to shop for them again. LT should signal to you that this is a sturdier tire meant for hauling and will have extra plies.The first set of numbers, usually three digits long is the width of the tread in millimeters.The second number, usually two digits long, is the height. It is presented as a percentage of the width (or 60% of the first number.) That being said a 225/60 16 is not the same height as a 235/60 16 because 60 will be the same percentage of a greater number.The letter "R" means radial. Your tire is made of multiple plies that are molded together. The other kind of tire is a bias-ply tire which have long been out of use in the United States. Ever wonder why Michelin tire company names all of their tires with the letter X (LTX M/S, MXV4 plus?) That is because Michelin invented the first radial tire in what the company referred to as "project x" and commemorates the profitable occasion by naming their tires so. Bias-ply tires are sized differently so if you have already found any of the above information on your tire, never fear, you have radial tires!The last number, two digits, is the rim size and must be strictly adhered to. The only way to change this size is to change the rims too!
I want to get a better grip can I change my tire size?Most of the time YES. Pick a slightly wider width and a lower profile. This will give you more rubber on the road and a shorter more responsive sidewall. Always double check your new fitments with a professional, and make sure to test fit one in the shop before all four are put on.
I want bigger rims on my car, how do I know what size tire to buy?Most rim specialists online will offer you a chance to input your cars year, make, model, and trim and will tell you the corresponding tire size you will need to purchase. Note that not all plus sizes work on all vehicles. Chances are you cant put 20" on an '81 Honda. Additional modifications to the vehicle may void this information and it is best you consult with a professional who has examined your vehicle before purchasing. Test fit one tire/rim before installing all four.
The previous owner changed the size of the tires and I cant figure out why. Any clue?Maybe, they were just ignorant, but chances are they had a reason. Sometimes a consumer could change their tires to a similar fitments to save money. This only works if you are changing all four tires and should be double checked for safety and fit.
What is this 91V after the size?The V is the most important thing to be looking at here. There are different speed ratings, the most popular being S,T,H, and V. They signal what kind of performance and longevity this tire was built for and should be adhered to for best performance.S-this is a standard tire. It is the most common on pick-ups, older sedans, and minivans.T-Touring. These tires offer a smoother ride, stronger longer lasting construction. They often offer 70,000+ warranties and are popular fitments for mid-range sedans and minivans.H-High performance. These tires offer great grip, higher heat resistance, and wonderful handling, but at the expense of mileage warranties. Some may not have a warranty at all but, companies like Yokohama tires are now offering 60k warranties on some of their performance lines.V-is a step up in high performance tires. Often you can step down to a "H" but you must buy at least 2 to match on the same axle.You should not step down without consulting a professional since this rating could effect your performance. It maybe required to put a higher performing tire on your car or your new set could cause, ride disturbance, poor wear of tires, or maybe ill equipped to handle the weight or speed of your car.Good Luck, and shop around. A savvy tire buyer can command a better, FAIRER, price.
