How to Read a Tire Size & Understanding a Tire Sidewall - ABTL Auto Extras
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- Опубліковано 10 чер 2013
- www.autobytel.com/car-ownership/ Understanding the letters and numbers on your tire sidewall can be a bit confusing. Tak from Toyo Tires gives us some insight on how to read a tire size. His simple explanation addresses all the different specifications that are written on your vehicles tire. The sidewall of a tire contains a couple of key features:
Let's Take a Look for Instance at this Tire Size 255/35/R18 109V
The "255" in the first part of the tire size represents the section width of the tire. The "35" represents the tires aspect ratio or height. The "R" stand for Radial in tire construction and the "18" stands for the wheel diameter in inches. The "109" is the load index and represents the tires maximum load capacity at maximum inflation pressure. The "V" represents the speed rating which is the max allotted speed of a tire.
For those looking to get some advance knowledge about all the information a tire can present there is the DOT tire identification number (TIN).
An example of a TIN would be DOT CX91 XX31309
The "CX" represents the factory code or where the tire was manufactured. The "91" represents the size code. The "XX3" represents the options code. The last four digits on the TIN represent the week and year when the tire was made. So for instance "1309" means the 13th week in the year 2009.
Another bit of information contained on a tire sidewall is the maximum load capacity. The max load displays a weight at a certain PSI. But this is not the recommended tire pressure that you should inflate your tires to. Instead follow the manufacturer recommended tire pressure setting as seen on the inside of a car's door jam.
Hopefully this video can give you some insight on how to read a car tire.
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Excellent, straight to the point and still thorough, Video done in 2 minutes. Saved 3 minutes of time and bandwidth. Well done and Thank you!
Best vid on subject, no b.s. very good.
What about the red and yellow dots and why almost all tire shops ignore them yet most manufacturers pay very close attention to them!?
Concise and easy to understand with visuals to reinforce the presentation! Well done! Now, I'm going out to look at my tires.
Absolutely
The best video so far this needs to be up there, short and straight to the point
No
This is a really good video. Im so happy i found it
Well half the people here are saying this video sucks while the other half says its the best thing ever. If it was really so great then probably no one would say it sucks.
Awesome explanations :)
I clicked on it just to see the rest of the rim
Pretty underwhelming if you ask me lol
thanks...super simple.
Excellent video.
hi i want to upsize my tyres default company size is 80/100 r17 rear can i go with 120/80 r 17 ????
M+S is a Snow tire with a "Mud shedding" pattern, it stops mud from packing into the tread in theory. M+T is the same thing only a all season all terrain tire. AKA "on road/off road" tire. If you drive a M+S in the summer it will be ruined in no time. They have a softer compound that works in snow really good. In PA a lot of my family have 2 sets of tires/rims, 1 just for winter and one for the rest of the year. The M+T would be a good all season tire, that again in theory would shed mud.
P⁰
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Thank you very much!
No flucking unnecessary blah blah blah.....
👊🏻💥🇲🇽
Excellent information
This video was made in 2013. So useful
Best one so far
Thanks brother I started a Tyre business this is so helpful to me.
How’s it going?
Hi mate, I have changed my vehicle Isuzu d max 2013 tyre and rims (215 55 r15 to 255 60 r18) since then rear brake stated making noise whenever stop the car. Brake pads are checked and are in condition, unable to understand what cause the issue? This vehicle has shoe drum brake on the rear? Any advice
So if i want a taller tire i could go up in the aspect ratio?? But still have the same width?
Very good despcription
Thank you
No, ratio mean it's 55% of 255.
255/55 R18 means the tire has 255 wide, height is 55% of 255 is 140.25 and the diameter is 18
what does the numbers mean? inches or what still confused
@@Frijo1 mill meters
@@Frijo1 millimetres (metric measurement)
Another key is the 255 is width at the widest point. It is not your tread with
@@gofigure84 also he is wrong about the 55%. The height is not 55% of 255, the “55” represents only the height of the sidewall in relation to the width of the tire, not the entire height of the tire in relation to its width. Now I’m sure the dude knows this but he didn’t present it in that way
Charming chap. Thx. :)
thanks for some knowledge
Very informative
Thank You for multiplication correction .
why do you have to follow the vehicle manufacture recommend setting for tire pressure? instead of what it says on tire?
My sister gave me her 16 inch rim 205/55 R16 from her BMW. Can I put a 215/60 R16 tire on it? Let me know, Thanks!
So how do u compare the other form for example 33x12.5 what would that be?
It’s depends on the size of the wheel, unlike Standard measurements a 305/75/16 is Not the same size as a 305/75/20. The size of the wheel changes everything
THANKS :) Very informative . . . . . . . .
So what number tells me about the thickness of the wall of the tire?? And if my car calls for 245/60 can 245/55 work too?
There is a listing for the thickness of the side wall. It is the ply listing. Ply or sections determines thickness. The only time it matters is on trucks. Regular tires are 8 ply. When thicker is needed for towing and payload weight you go up as needed. 10, 12, 14 and so forth.
Yes you can use a 55 instead of a 60 but it will be a little shorter.
I can't find the marking on my michelin pilot power 2ctadial 150/60
Super Bhai great 👌
Is the aspect ratio basically the height of the wall? So the wall would be 55mm high? I'm so confused I heard that the middle number is the height but you have to divide something to get the height...
JesusHCrist, bmw, the key word here was RATIO.
Thanks for ur video
What if you get after market tires and different sizes I always go by the max cold pressure because how are we supposed to know what a manufacturer would like it to be at if it is different size
Aftermarket tires? You mean wheels? If you go with a skinny low profile tire on a street set up you want to run 40+ for the pressure. This is to give the tire less give on bumps to keep from damaging the wheel. Otherwise follow the manufacturer spec in the driver door jam for tire pressure
Great video, but missing the quality grades. You should have told us what grades makes a certain brand of tire be considered better or worse than another brand of tire of equal size.
Now I can read it but I don’t know what it means. V is the speed. What is v equivalent to MPH?
This video came out in 2013, that tire you used as an example was 4 yrs old 💁
Thank you
Well done my brethren
Thank you
hi i have question i have 215/60/17 tire its ok i put 215/55/17 tire thanks
As long as you have enough space so the tire won't hit the tire walls in your car, you're fine
Very useful! Thank you!
After you thoroughly wash your tires with a pressure washer . Apply 303 Protectant to resist them from drying out and cracking .
Thank you! I had no idea I could protect my tires from drying out somewhat.
@@cockeyedoptimista You're welcome , the other day I power washed my engine and let it dry of course . Then liberally sprayed 303 on it and let it soak in overnight . It will collect dirt and after a month . I will clean that off and go another six months ? to do it again . Keeps all the rubber and plastic parts , looking new .
@@peterrudy9207 Thanks for taking the time for that detailed answer. Hafta tell ya: I'm a chick, if you couldn't tell by my username. I have a little car and I do the minimum for it, mostly from lack of time, tools and money. I park outside at our apartment building near DC. But I just had to replace the two front tires and I was told dryrot can happen even faster if you don't drive much. But I'm not going to be washing my engine anytime ever. I want to just sell it and get a good bicycle.
I'm trying to understand what you said about the 303, though. So it protects the engine and collects all this dust, etc, on its surface, gunk just sticks to it bc it's viscous or smthg but the stuff doesn't get into the parts? And then you rinse it all off and leave it for 6 months and the engine is shiny and nice? So you rinse it and then it still stays sort of protected?
I see why you you'd let it dry first before spraying smthg oily on it, as that would seal in the water and cause rust. Well, sorry that was solong and unimportant
@@cockeyedoptimista It's water based as no doubt why it gets absorbed so well . Surface dirt wouldn't be an issue , just that I like the engine to be " clean " . And applying it two times per year to soak in has no bad effect . I don't expect it has much of an effect on metal . Though there are sprays for the engine to kepp it shiny and " protected " after cleaning . And since I have an open air intake , I stuff it with a small microfiber towel to keep water out as I power wash it . UA-cam channel " Sweet Project Cars " talks about using 303 Protectant , more extensively .
Can I put 255/70/r18 tires on a p255/70/r18? And what does the P stand for?
P stands for "passenger" as opposed to LT which is "light truck"
If there is no letter it is a passenger tire tire and is the same as a P255/70R18
I'm guessing they still don't understand it after seeing this video. I'm still learning and this video was very helpful and I learned what aspect ratio is from this vid. Btw do u know if M+S (Mud and Snow) means all season tires and M+T (Mud and Terrain) means all terrain tires?
No. M+S is mud snow. M/T is mud terrain. All season is a street tire for dry and wet with light snow. All terrain is for wet light snow dirt and basic offroad. Can be used in mud but light mud is recommended.
They have specific names for specific reasons. That's how the english language works. Words have specific meanings for a purpose.
But what do those number mean? I get that the 55 is the tire aspect ratio, but 55 what? Cm?
I've always filled tires to either the noted max. tire pressure or just under. How is your vehicle manufacturer going to be able to tell you if you mount a different tire than it came with, if the new tire has a different load rating?
No
Maybe they're referring to the recommended tire size
You lost me in 10 seconds after you started explaining.
I'm sorry for you......
But you need to understand that not everyone has the same intelligence as you, but don't worry there's a lot of schools for slow learners challenged, special people like you. 😉
OK!! I have been checking the date codes on tires for years (since 60 minutes did d story on it over 20 years ago). I can clearly see the date code on two of my tires. It is just like it is stated here. Those tires also say "MADE IN INDONESIA". The tire code is a 4 digit number (within a box) next to the other numbers on the DOT code. The other two tires say, "MADE IN CHINA". The DOT code starts out like the other tires but there is no box or other numbers that LQQK like this date code. I have LQQKED over and over and can't find any code that resembles any of the ones found here. Anyone know about the date code on tires made in China?
I called the Dealer I bought the tires from (national, reputable company that starts with an "F" ends with an "E") and I got my answer. He told me that the DOT date code was on the other side of the tire. Nevertheless, he said they always put the DOT code, complete with the date code, on the receipt. I checked and, yes, the DOT code for all 4 tires were actually on the receipt. The two tires manufactured in Indonesia's DOT was a little longer than the other two tires but they all ended with the date code. All 4 tires were manufactured in 2016 so I am good with that.
The DOT code is on both sides the date code is only on one. If you don't see the date on the outside look on the inside.
I have a question. I have a Rav4 2012 Sports Utl., I am looking to purchase tires. The original tire is Bridgestone Dueler H/T (D687) Tire P235/55R18. Now I would like to know if I can use this one instead without having any issues Bridgestone Dueler H/T (D687) Tire P235/65R18.
Thank you
No, i wouldn't do that
You can use any brand as long as size and specs are compatible
@@gofigure84 they’re asking about using a taller tire
I thought they were trying to stay with the same brand but couldn't find the right size. I miss read.
@@gofigure84 I figured that’s what happened. Many of these questions and comments are very frustrating aren’t they? It blows my mind how many grown men don’t understand tire sizes and so many common sense issues. I’ve seen you answering many questions, God Bless You Sir
I came here for the manufacturing date ❤
Thanks
really confusing :( I bought all season tires yesterday and it didn't label "all season" on the sidewall but it does say M+S.
M+S = mud and snow.
How about explaining this . if my car original tires are 14" 185 60 14 . and if I upgrade to 16" rims. What tire size should I use?????????
The easiest way to find out is to find a tire size chart online. tiresize.com is a good one
Ok.thanks
@@Redtooth75 cocelit
@@gricegodis5737 what?
What tires will not hold the weight of a 2007 Dodge Magnum because I have tires 245/30zr20 but everybody says it won't hold weight of my car
Load index has to do with weight not size. Now whether those fit is another issue
Stock 20 size was 245/45R20 so I would stick to that vs the thinner 30 ratio.
Hi.Q to tire experts,,my vehicle current tire size is 205 x 65 R 15 what will happen if I upgrade to 215 x 65 R 15 would there be any affect due to this change..
Your speedo will read slightly slower than your actual speed - not a big deal, just something to be aware of
You'll be adding slightly more unsprung weight - again, not a big deal as it wont be much but it could effect handling and braking
as the tyre circumference will be slightly larger you'll essentially be gearing up slightly so you'll use more fuel in stop-go traffic and your acceleration (if your care about that) will be slower but as the tyre will have to spin fewer times to cover the same distance you'll use less fuel on motorways and have a higher top speed - again, it's a small change so wont effect things too much
be aware of your scrub radius as changing that too much can effect handling too
have a look on this site to get a rough idea of how it'll effect things www.wheel-size.com/calc/
@@JohnSmith-dg9sy Question, My tire size is 215 60 R60. 95H
I have a chance to get discounted Bridgestone EL400-02 tires new. The only thing is, the Bridgestone tires are 215 60 R16 94V. Does that matter if the tires are 94V instead of 95H
@@danlivni2097 so the H/V is speed rating
H is rated to a max speed of 130mph/210kmh
V is rated to a max speed of 149mph/240kmh
as it's a higher rating it'll be absolutely fine to use
The 94/95 is the load rating
94 is rated to 670kg per tyre
95 is rated to 690kg per tyre
there's not a massive difference between them, the tyres should be fine just make sure you're not overloading them
@@JohnSmith-dg9sy
Question for you, cause I'm having problems with these new tires I got. I'm getting the shaking in the front of the car, which I never got with the previous tires I had on the car.
So Saturday I had the mechanic put on the Bridgestone El400-2 tires in the front. They're 215 60 R16 94v on the front. For the rear he put on these Pirelli P7 216 60 R16-95h. The car recommends 95h.
I also got a car inspection that day. When I'm driving on the highway with the new tires, I noticed there's a shaking in the front, especially when I'm going over 60 miles an hour, like 65 and 70 miles an hour. There's even a shaking on the steering wheel.
I didn't get this with the previous tires I had. With my previous tires I had different brands on the front and back. I'd had Sumitimo on the front and BF Goodrich on the back. Both tires were 95h which is what the car recommends.
What do you think this shaking is from. Do you think the Bridgestone 94v is doing that, or maybe the Bridgestones are defective tires.
I'm thinking maybe I should rotate the tires and put the Pirellis on the front and put the Bridgestones in the back.
Would that help with stop the shaking in the front. Or should I just get two new tires to replace the Bridgestone and have tires rated at the 95h, which is what the car wants.
I bought the Bridgestones and Pirelli tires on eBay. I bought them from two different people. I bought the Bridgestone from one person and I bought the Pirelli from another person. Both have great ratings on eBay.
@@danlivni2097 sounds like a wheel balance issue, take it back to the place you had the tyre's fitted and tell them you're getting vibration through the steering wheel at speed and they should fix it for you
Wonder why someone would not like this? Nothing here was new to me, but a lot of people do not know this basic information.
What max capacity of 109? Where the chart to reference to?
Remember, dumb and dumber are watching these video to educate themselves so you have to make sure you explain it throughly
What is the meaning of
DOT 9L 03 MLX
That is the DOT number. On the other side of the tire is the same number with four numbers added for the date code
Why can't they explain the tyer size like you
Simple and easy to understand
The rest bullxxxxx around the place to make money
Guys how do i find the decal size of my tires?
Decal size? If you mean the label the manufacturer puts it is inside the drivers door jam on the door or body.
Tak, can I replace 185 70 14 tire size with rim with 185 65 14 tire size with rim ? My original tire size is 185 65 14.
Wouldn’t recommend
@@Jeanyuhzz Thanks for recommendation, fortunately, I was able to find the right size tires with aluminum rims as well on Facebook's market place, I paid only $100, very good deal indeed.
They were all for the same size rim so they would all mount. You would just be slightly taller. Not by any amount you would likely notice.
@@gofigure84 Thanks for information !
@@gofigure84 it can still cause damage in the long run
195/R16C how to calculate
Nice video very short
V it means how can go???
Can we replace 245 55 19 with 255 60 19
Yeah, I think that would be just fine.
cool
My question is WHY IS IT A RATIO NOT AN ACTUAL SIZE NUMBER UGH...
These are actual size numbers not ratios:
255 = section width in mm
55 = sidewall height in mm
18 = wheel diameter in inches
Autobytel that 55 is a ratio of Withh and cross section I6t says it in the video and every website talking about tires and those numbers and i think it is stupid
and so does this calculator i.imgur.com/W4M07j6.png witch means i found a place to use for what i need and it can be found here www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html
If that is correct why are 205/60R16 tyres smaller in diameter then 215/60R16 ?
Sum tires are 33x12.5 16. Ur just not used to it being a metric measurement.
"V is the speed rating" and V indicates what speed?? My speedometer has numbers not letters.
The speed code charts can be found on line at almost any new tire sales website.
Lmao i was thinkin the same what speed is v lol
what means ET 52,5 rim
Rim specs are not tire specs. Find a video that addresses rim specs, or check rim specs on line where they're sold.
2 tech the 255 is what?
🤘
Got more than I bargained for here 😵💫. Replacing electric scooter
Is 255 inches or?
You imagine the size of a tire that's 255 inches wide.... of course is not inches is on millimeters
255 inches is 21 feet. i'm only 6 feet. So 255 inches for a sidewall tire is one big tire. Sidewall is millimeters not inches.
What does “lt” mean?
255 what?
An old tire 2009 ...
This 255mm/55% R18 in. , the .55 is MULTIPLIED times the 255 = 133.25 mm is side wall height. ok.
Thought process okay, but math wrong. Answer is 140.25mm
My apologies to all. 255mm 55mm 18 inch is sidewall height 255×55 =140.25 mm Thanks for checking my multiplication .
needs some detailed explanation
You need to explain to ppl what aspect ratio means.
How thick the sidewall is. Lower number skinnier tire.
@@gofigure84 Aspect ratio is more than that. It represents the height by calculating a percentage of the width. So two 60 series tires will be different heights if the first number is different in both tires. For example 255/60 vs 285/60. The 285 will be taller even though they are both 60 series tires.
@@onlyoneromeo specifically yes but 98% of the people watching this are involved in the repair industry to get too specific. The basic answer that I gave is the easiest
Let’s crank the music so we don’t get copyrighted and no one can understand
It was a little hard to follow the way you explained it, but A for effort
Million years from now some beings will find a human tire and spend years trying to decode it.
FYI, you need to speak in plain English and explain throughly about “109”, unless you have a chart to corespondent. What is Max capacity of 109?
Example; “Color”, you need the right color so it’ll work! Ok, what is the correct color? But if there is a color chart to reference by then yes it’s a no brainer.
That's the easy part. The hard part is getting people to care. Especially females.
Wtf
Bull shit explanation
If it’s says 109v how I would I know what’s the load capacity and speed
Thanks