How to Find the Right Size Tires for Rims

Member

By lmdetorie
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating:

(2 Ratings)

Finding the right size tire for your rims. How to calculate profile height and find the correct tire for your application.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Measure across front of rim at widest point, write it down. Now measure width between walls of rim, and write down. Now decide how much profile you want(height of tire from outside to rim) and write it down
Step 2

Go to the tire shop with your measurements. Tires are labeled by height, width and rim size, for instance, a 31/10.50 R15 is a 31 inch tall tire, 10.5 inches wide, that will fit on a 15 inch rim. Consider also your driving conditions in choosing a tread type, street, all terrain, snow tires and racing slicks all vary greatly.
Step 3

To get your profile height right, double your desired profile height and add the height of your rim, for example if i had 18 inch rims 8 inches wide and wanted three inches of tire profile, I would add 18+3+3 and buy a 24/8.0 R18.

Tips & Warnings

Lower profile tires typically cost much more money and are more prone to damage from potholes and road debris. Above 2 inches is preferred. Save your low pros for track wheels!
Your measurements should be accurate within 1/2 inch, but bring your rims anyway when you go tire shopping.
Do not attempt to drive on tires mounted on damaged rims, inspect them carefully before having tires put on them, and do not try to fix them.
Ensure that you compensate for wheel size changes by recalibrating your speedometer and buying an appropriate spare.
Make sure tires are balanced when they are mounted.