That string of numbers on the side of your tire tells you everything we need to get you the right replacement. Here's how to read it — no jargon.
Buying tires gets a lot easier once you can read your own tire size. It's printed right on the sidewall and it looks something like 225/45R17 94V. Each part means something specific — and once you know what, you'll never guess again.
You have two reliable places to look:
If the tires on the car match the door sticker, you're set. If a previous owner changed sizes, it's worth a quick call so we can help you get back to a safe, correct fit.
Let's break down our example — 225/45R17 94V — one piece at a time:
| Code | Name | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| 225 | Section width | The width of the tire across the tread, in millimeters. Here, 225 mm. |
| 45 | Aspect ratio | The sidewall height as a percentage of the width. 45 means the sidewall is 45% of 225 mm. A lower number = a shorter, sportier sidewall. |
| R | Construction | "R" is for radial — the standard construction on virtually all modern passenger tires. |
| 17 | Wheel diameter | The wheel (rim) diameter the tire fits, in inches. This one fits a 17-inch wheel. |
| 94 | Load index | A code for how much weight the tire can safely carry. 94 equals roughly 1,477 lbs per tire. Always match or exceed your placard. |
| V | Speed rating | The maximum rated speed for the tire. "V" is rated to 149 mph — again, match or exceed what your vehicle calls for. |
So 225/45R17 94V reads as: a 225 mm wide radial tire, with a sidewall 45% of that width, built for a 17-inch wheel, rated to carry about 1,477 lbs and safe up to 149 mph. Want a deeper walkthrough with more examples? Read our blog post on how to read a tire size.
Sizes vary by trim and wheel package, so always confirm against your own sidewall or door sticker — but these give you a feel for the range:
| Vehicle type | Typical size example |
|---|---|
| Compact car (e.g. Honda Civic) | 215/55R16 |
| Midsize sedan (e.g. Toyota Camry) | 225/45R17 or 235/45R18 |
| Small SUV / crossover (e.g. RAV4) | 225/65R17 or 235/55R19 |
| Full-size pickup (e.g. F-150) | 265/70R17 or 275/55R20 |
Even the right size won't help if the tire is worn out. Replace tires when you notice any of these:
Can't find your size — or not sure what it means? Snap a photo of your sidewall and text or call us, or just read us the numbers over the phone. We'll identify the right tire for your vehicle and give you an upfront price. Call (682) 392-2068 — we're open 24/7 and we come to you.
When you're ready, we can bring the tire to you and install it on the spot. Learn more about our new tires and tire replacement service — no shop visit, no waiting room.
Have another question? Call us any time at (682) 392-2068 — we're open 24/7.
Your tire size is the string of numbers and letters on the sidewall, like P215/65R15. Read it left to right: the three-digit number is the width in millimeters, the two-digit number after the slash is the aspect ratio, and the number after the R is the wheel diameter in inches. If it looks confusing, snap a photo and we'll read it for you.
The most reliable place is molded right into the tire's sidewall. You can also find the manufacturer's recommended size on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb, and it's usually listed in your owner's manual too. Any of those spots will give you the numbers we need.
Take 215/65R15 as an example: 215 is the tread width in millimeters, 65 is the aspect ratio (the sidewall height as a percentage of the width), R means radial construction, and 15 is the diameter of the wheel in inches. Together they describe exactly what tire fits your vehicle.
After the main size you'll often see something like 95H. The number is the load index, which tells you how much weight the tire can safely carry, and the letter is the speed rating, which is the maximum safe speed. It's important to match or exceed your vehicle's original ratings for safety.
Sometimes, but it's not something to guess at. Changing size can affect your speedometer, handling, clearance, and safety systems, so it's best to stick with the manufacturer's recommended size unless a professional confirms an alternative is safe. Call us and we'll help you find the right fit.
It's helpful but not required. If you have it, great — it speeds things up. If you don't, no problem: give us your vehicle's year, make, and model when you call (682) 392-2068 and we'll figure out the correct size for you.
Look for the DOT code on the sidewall; the last four digits are the manufacture date. For example, 2521 means the 25th week of 2021. Tires generally should be replaced around six years old regardless of tread, so if yours are getting up there, it's worth having them checked.
Read us your sidewall or send a photo. We'll match it, quote it upfront, and install it right at your location — day or night.
Tell us your vehicle and where you're parked, and we'll get right back to you with a time and an upfront price. No bots, no call center.
"We don't sell you what you don't need. We show you the tire, give you a straight price, and get you back on the road."
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