What Size Tire Does My Car Need?

Why The Correct Tires Matter

At times, it may not be immediately apparent if a vehicle is equipped with inappropriate tires. The type of tires on a vehicle profoundly influences the entire driving experience, impacting critical aspects like braking, steering, and overall ride comfort.

Tires are so crucial that manufacturers have overhauled their engineering approaches over the past twelve years. Previously, they would design a vehicle and then seek out the most cost-effective tires available. Nowadays, vehicles are designed with particular tires in mind from the outset. Elements such as brakes, suspension, and even the vehicle's exterior design are tailored to complement specific tires. Therefore, when it comes time to replace tires, it is advisable to choose the same types that the manufacturer originally selected for optimal vehicle performance.

What Size Tires Do I Need?

Every vehicle has a label that let the owner know exactly what size tire that the vehicle needs.  This is specific to your car and will let you know the proper size for the front tires, rear tires and even the spare tire. 

This label is often located on the drivers door panel.  Some older vehicles, or other Manufacturers, may have them placed in the rear door frame or the glove box.  

This information is also located in the Vehicles owner manual, though you may need to know the vehicle configuration as owner's manuals are made for Models, not specific vehicles.  

How To Read The Tire Label

There is a lot of great information on the Tire labels that help you ensure that your vehicle is safe and that will help prolong the mechanical life of your car.  

The top section provides information on the number of occupants, and total weight the vehicle should carry.  

It also displays the tire size for the front, back and spare tires of the vehicle.  The Tire label, or placard, also shows you the proper tire inflation level.  

Tire Size - What does It Mean?

Tire size is like a code that provides specific size information in a uniform method that is consistent World Wide.  Read more about tire size here.

Comparing this to the tire placard will ensure that you have the right size tire for your vehicles.  It does not display the brand, or tire manufacturer on the placard.  If you are not sure which tire brand was Originally used, you can look to the Owners manual, or included pamphlet provided with the owners manual as a supplement.  

Of course, you can always trust the Tire Experts at Beardmore to provide this information to you.   You can Contact us or use our handy Tire Tool on line. Â