How to Determine What Size Tires You Need 

Of all the typical maintenance performed on a vehicle, few purchases offer the “bang for the buck” as replacing your tires. A new set of rubber will not only keep you and your passengers safer, but it will also deliver a surprisingly enhanced driving experience. And, even with all the advancements in technology over the years, maintaining good tire condition and proper tire pressure still ranks as one of the most important things you can do for your car, truck, or SUV. And having the correct size and type of tires for your typical driving conditions is just as important as their maintenance.

How to Find the Correct Tire Size for Your Vehicle Tires

To determine your vehicle’s tire size, you can just look at the current set. But, if you purchased the car used, there is no guarantee that the tires on your ride are the manufacturer’s recommended size. A better method of finding the proper size would be to check for a label on the frame of the driver’s door. That label will also provide the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure for both the front and rear sets (yes, sometimes they are a pound or two different). Look for a number that looks something like this – P225/55R18. This number holds all the information you will need to purchase your next set. And, if, for any reason, the numbers on the tag, and the numbers on the actual tires do not match, consider letting your tire retailer handle this one. Here is a look at how that number breaks down:

P- P stands for passengers. If you have a pickup, you may see an LT, (light truck), instead.
225 – The 225 represents the width of the tire, in millimeters, that makes contact with the road surface when it is properly inflated.
65 – The 65 means the sidewall’s height is equal to 65 percent of the tire’s width.
R – The “R” stands for radial.
18 – The 18 represents the wheel’s diameter in inches. 

But do not stop there. Your tires will also have a DOT code and a Uniform Treadwear Quality Grading Code that can also provide important information. Want to know a tire’s age? Then check the last four numbers of the 12-digit DOT code. These digits represent the manufactured-in week and year of the tire. For example, a DOT code that ends in 4423 would have been manufactured in the forty-forth week of the year 2023. This number matters because tires dry out and crack with age, regardless of miles or tread depth. Most experts agree that passenger car and truck tires should be replaced every six years, regardless of wear. 

The Best Tire for My Vehicle 

It is hard to go wrong with the same make and model that came on your vehicle from the factory. However, depending on your driving conditions, you may want to replace the OEMs with something different from what the manufacturer originally installed. For example, drivers in Montana will benefit from tires that handle the cold better, while New Yorkers may prefer all-season radials to deal with the range of road conditions that they encounter throughout the year. So, when choosing your next set of wheels, consider where you drive, as well as your specific needs and preferences.

Stop by City Tire today, and our friendly team will ensure you find the perfect tire for your vehicle. Whether you’re looking for all-season tires, high-performance options, or rugged off-road treads, we’ve got you covered. Our experienced staff will guide you through the selection process, taking into account your driving habits, road conditions, and budget. Rest assured that we’ll get it right the first time, so you can hit the road with confidence. Visit us today and experience top-notch service at City Tire