Tire Size by Vehicle

Original Equipment Manufacturer tire size is an essential aspect of vehicle maintenance and performance. OEM tire size refers to the specific tire dimensions determined by the manufacturer to ensure optimal performance, safety, and overall functionality of the vehicle. But why is this detail so important, and what potential issues could arise if the wrong size tire is used? Let us take a closer look at the significance of using the appropriate OEM tire size for your vehicle, its impact on vehicle performance, and the potential problems that may arise if neglected.

OEM Tire Size Meaning

The tire size is a series of numbers and letters imprinted on the sidewall of your tire. It represents the tire's width, aspect ratio (height to width), construction, and diameter. When a vehicle is designed, manufacturers calculate the optimal tire size based on the vehicle's weight, load capacity, performance specifications, and safety systems. As a result, the OEM tire size is specifically tailored to ensure the vehicle performs as intended in various conditions, and also impacts the vehicle's fuel economy, braking, and handling capabilities.

Importance of Correct Tire Size

The primary reason to adhere to the OEM tire size is safety. The vehicle's braking system, electronic stability, traction control, and other safety features are all calibrated based on the OEM tire size. If the tires are too large or small, these safety systems may not function as intended, potentially resulting in dangerous driving conditions.

Another critical factor is the vehicle's overall performance. Tires that are larger or smaller than the OEM specification can affect the vehicle's acceleration, braking, cornering, and overall ride comfort. For instance, larger tires might reduce acceleration but could increase the vehicle's off-road performance. On the other hand, smaller tires might improve acceleration but compromise stability.

Different tire sizes can also affect the vehicle's fuel efficiency. A larger tire requires more energy to rotate, which can result in increased fuel consumption. Conversely, smaller tires might improve fuel economy but may also decrease the vehicle's stability.

The vehicle's speedometer reading is calibrated based on the diameter of the OEM tires. If the tires' size changes, the speedometer readings may be incorrect, which could potentially result in unintentional speeding.

Potential Problems from Incorrect Tire Size

Tires that are not the correct size for your vehicle may wear unevenly or prematurely. This is due to the vehicle's weight not being distributed correctly across the tire's surface.

Larger tires can cause increased strain on the vehicle's suspension and may cause damage over time.

The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) could give inaccurate readings if the tires are not the correct size, which might lead to improperly inflated tires and compromise your vehicle's safety.

How to Find Tire Size for Your Vehicle?

To find the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) tire size for your vehicle, there are several places you can look:

Where to Find OEM Tire Size

Vehicle Owner's Manual

The owner's manual of your vehicle should contain information about the original equipment tire size. This is the most direct and reliable source of information about your vehicle's OEM tire size. It should clearly state the size of the tires that came with the vehicle.

Vehicle's Door Jamb

There is usually a sticker or plate on the inside of the driver's door or doorjamb that includes information about the vehicle's tires, including the OEM tire size.

Door Jamb Label

Glove Box Door or Gas Tank Hatch

Some manufacturers place the sticker or plate with the tire size information inside the glove box door or the gas tank hatch.

Tire and Loading Information Placard

You can also browse our vehicle database to find the original equipment tire size for 1617 vehicle models manufactured from 1990 to 2023. Simply select make, model and year of your vehicle to see its tire size configuration.

All listed guides, data and/or calculations are for informational purposes only. Tire-Sizes.com does not warrant or make any representations regarding the accuracy of or the results of the use of this information. Always refer to vehicle owner's manual for the correct tire size configuration.