How do I read tires? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Im_a_dickhead · 04-24-2002, 01:54 AM

Can someone please explain to me what all the different measurements on the tires mean? What are the sizes, what do they mean, etc? Thanks!

DS - TTCC · 04-24-2002, 09:39 AM

We'll use 215/45ZR17 for an example

215 = width of the tread in millimeteres
45 = sidewall height as a percentage of width (45% of 215mm)
Z = Speed Rating, check out tirerack.com for all of them, Z, H are common.
R = Radial tire, I don't think you'll see anything but radials.
17 = Rim diameter

88corollaGTS · 04-24-2002, 01:03 PM

Yes I think you'd have problems if you found a bias ply tire on a newer toyota, Hmmm...

TRD 4Runner · 04-24-2002, 11:54 PM

Use my easy to remember method

225/60R 15

If you have an SUV and buying off road tires:

You want the first number big, the second number big, and the third number always at 15. SUV: Big/Big 15

If your looking for sportyness:

You want the first number big, the second number small, and the third number around 17 or so. Sports car: Big/Small 17

Lafora · 04-25-2002, 12:33 AM

bulls**t

you can run 185/55/14 R compounds and i doubt anyone would say that those are "not sporty" tires

Im_a_dickhead · 04-25-2002, 12:43 AM

So how exactly will I know what fits my '87 AE86? Because right now, the front right tire rubs on the mudflap if I make a right turn!

88corollaGTS · 04-25-2002, 11:51 AM

Just go to your local tire shop and they can tell you what will fit. OR... Look on the inside of your soor, there should be a sticker that tells factory size tires then you just have to upsize from there. :grin:

TRD 4Runner · 04-25-2002, 04:53 PM

Quote:

On 2002-04-25 00:33, Lafora wrote:
bulls**t

you can run 185/55/14 R compounds and i doubt anyone would say that those are "not sporty" tires

14's??? What are you trying to put them on?? A mini???

Lafora · 04-25-2002, 05:07 PM

i happen to have a RWD corolla gTS as well :grin:

and yes i'm still running 14" tires.

hell i know someone that has 13s

Im_a_dickhead · 04-26-2002, 06:44 AM

I want 15's.

Lafora · 04-26-2002, 09:00 AM

then get em. 15 by 7s fits fine for our car

88corollaGTS · 04-26-2002, 10:25 AM

Thats all I am going to be running when i put them on. 195-50-15 on my 88GTS. I was going to go 205-40-16 but i need some rubber on the tires as i do alot og driving and the 16 are a bit harsh. :grin: look nice though :grin:

Nx2k · 04-26-2002, 10:44 PM

Quote:

On 2002-04-25 00:43, azian_sensation wrote:
So how exactly will I know what fits my '87 AE86? Because right now, the front right tire rubs on the mudflap if I make a right turn!

if they're only rubbing the mudflap, then y dont' u jus take off the mudflaps and save yourself some money?

185/55/14 are sporty tires, it's not a common size but they're sporty. actually i've never seen that size but im sure they exist

boroEF · 04-26-2002, 11:47 PM

Quote:

On 2002-04-25 16:53, TRD 4Runner wrote:

Quote:

On 2002-04-25 00:33, Lafora wrote:
bulls**t

you can run 185/55/14 R compounds and i doubt anyone would say that those are "not sporty" tires

14's??? What are you trying to put them on?? A mini???

people track their cars in 14 and 13inch tires...especially in auto-x. it is better for acceleration and tires are a lot cheaper too! try putting 17s on a stock civic and see if it can even move!

Im_a_dickhead · 04-27-2002, 05:12 AM

Hmmm... I still don't understand. For example, if we got a 195-50-15 here, then the rim would be 15", then the tread would be 195 mm... but then what is the 50? The thickness of the sidewall, right? How so? Someone said it was a percentage, but it doesn't make any sense.

Oh yeah... well, I will take off the mudflaps, but also, they're winter tires, so I'm gonna move those off once OPSEU gets off damn strike!