What Is My Factory Tire Size?

Your factory tire size depends on your specific vehicle; the fastest way to find it is on the “Tire and Loading Information” placard on the driver’s door jamb, in the owner’s manual, or by having a dealer or tire retailer look it up with your VIN. If you share your year, make, model, trim, and wheel size (or VIN), I can provide the exact specification.

Where to Find Your OEM Tire Size

Automakers publish the original equipment (OEM) tire size in several standardized places. These sources reflect the tire size your vehicle left the factory with, including load index, speed rating, and recommended pressures.

• Driver’s door jamb placard: A yellow/white “Tire and Loading Information” label listing front, rear, and often spare tire sizes plus cold inflation pressures.
• Owner’s manual: The specifications section typically lists tire sizes by trim or wheel option.
• Dealer or parts department: Provide your VIN; they can pull the exact OEM tire specification from the manufacturer’s catalog.
• Tire retailer fitment tools: Sites like Tire Rack or Discount Tire can look up factory size by year/make/model/trim or VIN.
• Additional stickers: Some vehicles place a tire sticker in the fuel door, glove box, trunk, or B-pillar. European brands often use the B-pillar.
• In-vehicle menus (some EVs): Certain models display OEM size in service or tire settings screens.

The door-jamb placard is the most authoritative for your exact build, while VIN-based lookups and the owner’s manual are reliable backups.

How to Read a Tire Size and What It Means

Tire sizes are standardized codes that describe width, aspect ratio, construction, and wheel diameter—plus load index and speed rating. Understanding the code helps you verify you’re matching the factory spec correctly.

• Example (passenger car): P215/55R17 94V
  

  • 215 = section width in millimeters
  • 55 = aspect ratio (sidewall height is 55% of width)
  • R = radial construction
  • 17 = wheel diameter in inches
  • 94 = load index (how much weight each tire can carry)
  • V = speed rating (maximum sustained speed capability)

• Example (light truck): LT265/70R17 E
  

  • LT = light-truck tire spec
  • E = load range (10‑ply rating) for higher carrying capacity

• Staggered setups: Some performance cars and SUVs use wider rear tires (e.g., 255/40R19 front, 285/35R19 rear). The placard will list both.
• XL/HL markings: XL (extra load) and HL (high load, common on EVs) indicate enhanced load capacity; match these if specified.
• Spare tire sizes: Space-saver spares (e.g., T145/80D16) are different by design and are for temporary use only.

When replacing tires, match not only the size but also the load index and speed rating specified on your placard to maintain safety and handling.

Why Factory Size Can Vary Within the Same Model

The “right” OEM tire size is tied to your vehicle’s exact configuration, not just its nameplate. Trim packages, wheel upgrades, and drivetrains can change tire specs.

• Trim and wheel packages: Optional 18″, 19″, or 20″ wheels alter tire size and profile.
• Drivetrain differences: AWD vs. FWD/RWD can lead to different sizes or load requirements.
• Performance/off-road packages: Sport, off-road, or towing packages often specify unique tires.
• Regional specs: Markets (US/EU/Asia) sometimes get different tire fitments.
• EV-specific fitments: Higher load-capacity, low-rolling-resistance, or acoustic tires are common on electric vehicles.
• Mid-cycle changes: Facelifts and refreshes can update wheel/tire specs within a generation.

Because of these variables, the door sticker or a VIN-based lookup is the most dependable way to confirm your factory size.

A Quick Step-by-Step to Confirm and Buy

Use these steps to verify your OEM size and ensure any replacement you choose is compatible with your vehicle’s requirements.

1. Open the driver’s door and read the Tire and Loading Information placard for front, rear, and spare tire sizes and pressures.
2. Cross-check the owner’s manual or a VIN lookup with a dealer/tire retailer to confirm the same size, load index, and speed rating.
3. Inspect your current tires: note the sidewall size, load index, speed rating, and any XL/HL markings—confirm they match the placard.
4. If considering different sizes, verify overall diameter stays close to OEM (typically within ±3%) and meets load/speed requirements.
5. Select reputable tires that meet or exceed the OEM load index and speed rating; maintain staggered sizes if your vehicle requires them.
6. After installation, set pressures to the door placard values and recalibrate TPMS if needed.

Following these steps ensures you maintain safe handling, correct speedometer readings, and proper load capacity.

Illustrative Examples by Vehicle Type (Not Specific to Your Car)

The following are common factory-size patterns seen by segment. Treat them as examples only—your vehicle’s placard should be considered the definitive source.

• Compact sedan/hatch: Often 195/65R15, 205/55R16, or 215/50R17 depending on trim.
• Midsize SUV/crossover: Commonly 225/65R17, 235/60R18, or 235/55R19.
• Full-size pickup (P-metric): 265/65R18 or 275/60R20; heavy-duty trims may use LT sizes like LT275/70R18 E.
• Performance car: Staggered sets such as 245/35R20 front and 305/30R20 rear are typical on high-performance trims.
• EV: Often XL/HL-rated sizes like 255/45R19 XL or 275/40R20 HL for higher load capacity and efficiency.

Use these examples only for orientation; always confirm against your vehicle’s sticker or VIN-based lookup before purchasing.

Troubleshooting When Things Don’t Match

It’s not uncommon to find tires that don’t match the sticker—especially on used vehicles. Here’s how to resolve discrepancies safely.

• Aftermarket wheels: If wheels were changed, the tire size may differ from OEM; ensure the setup maintains proper load rating and diameter.
• Previous owner changes: Return to the placard size if possible; consult a professional if suspension or brake upgrades require different sizes.
• Missing sticker: Use the owner’s manual, VIN lookup, or contact the dealer; some brands can reprint the placard.
• Winter tire alternatives: Manufacturers sometimes list an alternate winter size with a narrower width for snow performance.
• Spare tire differences: Temporary spares are intentionally smaller—follow the manual’s speed and distance limits.

If you’re unsure, a trusted tire shop can measure clearances and verify load/speed compliance for your vehicle.

What I Need From You to Give the Exact Size

With a few details, I can identify your precise factory tire specification and recommended pressures.

• Year, make, and model (e.g., 2021 Toyota RAV4)
• Trim or package (e.g., XLE, Limited, Off-Road, Performance)
• Drivetrain (FWD, RWD, AWD/4WD)
• Wheel size option (e.g., 17″, 18″, 20″) if known
• VIN (optional but most accurate for exact build)
• Current tire size shown on the sidewall (for comparison)

Share any of the above and I’ll provide the factory size, including load index, speed rating, and OEM pressure recommendations.

Summary

Your factory tire size is listed on the driver’s door-jamb placard, in the owner’s manual, and can be confirmed by VIN through a dealer or reputable tire retailer. Because tire size depends on your vehicle’s exact trim and wheel package, use these sources rather than guessing. If you provide your year/make/model/trim—or your VIN—I can look up the exact OEM tire size and specifications for you.

Where can I find tire size info?

You can find your vehicle’s tire size on the tire’s sidewall, the driver’s side door jamb, or in your owner’s manual. The sidewall displays the size directly, while the door jamb has a sticker with the recommended tire size. The owner’s manual also contains this information, along with other vehicle specifications.
 
1. Check the Sidewall of Your Tires 

• Look for a string of numbers and letters: like “P215/65R15”.
• These numbers provide specific details: about the tire’s dimensions.
• For example: The number after the “R” indicates the rim diameter in inches, which is the most important part of the size to match when buying new tires.

2. Look for the Tire Placard on the Driver’s Side Door Jamb 

• Open the driver’s side door: and check the frame. 
• A sticker or plate: will list the tire size and other valuable information recommended by the vehicle’s manufacturer. 

3. Consult Your Vehicle’s Owner’s Manual 

• This manual contains a wealth of information: about your car.
• You will find the correct tire size: and other specifications for your vehicle inside.

Is a 295 tire the same as a 33?

No, a “295” tire is not the same as a “33” tire because 295 is a metric measurement for the tire’s tread width, while 33 refers to the overall diameter of the tire in inches. For example, a 295/70R18 tire has a tread width of 295mm and an overall diameter of approximately 34.3 inches, whereas a 33-inch tire size is a direct measurement of the tire’s total height. 
Understanding Tire Size Codes

• Metric (e.g., 295/70R18): This code indicates the tire’s dimensions. 
  • 295: The width of the tire’s tread in millimeters. 
  • 70: The aspect ratio, meaning the tire’s sidewall height is 70% of its width. 
  • R: Indicates radial construction. 
  • 18: The diameter of the wheel in inches. 
• Imperial (e.g., 33×12.50R18): This code indicates the tire’s dimensions. 
  • 33: The overall height (diameter) of the tire in inches. 
  • 12.50: The width of the tire in inches. 
  • 18: The diameter of the wheel in inches. 

Key Differences

• Units: “295” is in millimeters, while “33” is in inches. 
• Measurement: “295” refers to the tire’s width, whereas “33” refers to its total height or diameter. 
• Comparison: A 295mm width would need to be converted to inches (approximately 11.6 inches) and then combined with an aspect ratio and wheel size to determine its overall diameter. A “33” tire only gives you the total height. 

What does 225 65r17 mean on a tire?

The “225 65r17” on a tire indicates its width (225mm), the aspect ratio of its sidewall (65%), its radial construction (“R”), and the diameter of the wheel it fits (17 inches). Essentially, it means a tire that is 225 millimeters wide, with a sidewall height that is 65% of that width, designed for a 17-inch wheel rim.
 
Here’s a breakdown of each part:

• 225: This is the tire’s width in millimeters, from sidewall to sidewall. 
• 65: This is the aspect ratio, which is the height of the tire’s sidewall as a percentage of its width. So, the sidewall height is 65% of 225mm. 
• R: This letter signifies the tire’s construction, with “R” indicating it’s a radial tire, the most common type. 
• 17: This number indicates the diameter of the wheel rim that the tire is designed to fit, in inches. 

Can you look up tire size by VIN?

You can also find your vehicle’s trim and tire size by your VIN (vehicle identification number) using a VIN recorder tool.