How to Select Tire Size
Purchasing replacement tires for your car, SUV, minivan or truck can be confusing if you don't understand the tire sizing system. Choosing the correct size tires can help prevent accidents from tires failing when stressed by an overly heavy vehicle. Your car's tires must be sufficient to carry the weight of the vehicle for many miles. Making sure that you select the correct tire size when purchasing replacements will help guarantee your future driving safety.
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Instructions
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Branded on the side of your existing tires is a series of numbers and letters that identify dimensions and specifications for the tire. Write this number down before researching your choices of new tires. Tire specifications should also be shown in your car owner's manual and on the inside door end of the driver's side door.
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Examine the number you copied down from the tire. Use the sample number P195/60R16 63H for comparative purposes against your own vehicle's numbers. The "195" refers to the width measurement across the tread in millimeters. The "60" represents the profile or sidewall height of the tire. The number 16 refers to the diameter of the wheel (tire rim).
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Choose tires that exactly meet the manufacturer's recommendations. Your car's wheel wells were designed to fit a specific size tire. In addition, these recommendations incorporate safety-related specifications based on vehicle weight. If you car has undersized tires, emergency stopping ability is impaired. Incorrectly sized tires can also wear improperly and last a considerably shorter length of time than tires specifically recommended for your vehicle.
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Installing oversized tires on your vehicle is possible. The general rule of thumb allows no more than 3 percent increase or decrease in diameter in change. This range limit allows for increased size while still allowing your car's computer to receive adequate speed data from the tires.
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Ask for help if you're not sure about which tire size is correct for your vehicle. Tire shops or your own mechanic will help you choose the correct size tire for your vehicle.
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