What size tires fit my car?

49 CFR 571.110 (FMVSS No. 110) places the tire and loading placard on the driver’s side B-pillar, at the door jamb. It lists the original tire size and the vehicle maker’s recommended cold inflation pressures for the front, rear and spare tires. For inflation pressure, see the tire and loading placard on the driver's door jamb.

NHTSA also directs owners to the owner’s manual for the correct tire size. Compare that information with the current sidewall, but do not assume the installed tires are original. The tire size marking guide explains how to read the sidewall code.

If there is no B-pillar, NHTSA says the label may be on the rear edge of the driver’s door. If that edge is too narrow, look for an inward-facing surface next to the driver’s seating position.

A 17-character VIN can identify model year, make and model through NHTSA vPIC. Wheel diameter may also appear where the vehicle maker reports it. However, vPIC has no tire size field.

Use the VIN tool to identify the vehicle, then follow its links to the size listings. Confirm the result against the placard and owner’s manual rather than treating a VIN decode as tire-size approval. NHTSA says vPIC uses information submitted by vehicle manufacturers.

NHTSA recommends replacing tires with the original size or another size recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Michelin says replacement load capacity and speed rating must meet or exceed the vehicle maker’s specifications. Those requirements remain even when considering a different size.

Under 49 CFR 571.110, a passenger car’s maximum load on a tire must not exceed its marked load rating. For trucks, SUVs and trailers, the tires’ combined load ratings on each axle must equal or exceed that axle’s GAWR on the certification label. Michelin says a higher tire load rating does not increase the vehicle’s maximum allowable load.

When comparing sizes, check overall diameter and width, not just wheel diameter. Review the effects on clearance, speedometer readings and gearing before choosing a different size. Fit depends on the vehicle, wheels and suspension.

Record the placard size and the ratings specified by the vehicle manufacturer. Michelin says load and speed ratings can be found on the sidewall, vehicle tire placard and in the owner’s manual.

Use the load index reference to check the load marking, and the load range guide when reviewing load-range markings. Then compare candidates in the tire size listings, keeping the vehicle maker’s requirements as the starting point.

• Confirm the original size against the placard and manual.
• Check load capacity against the vehicle maker’s specification.
• Check speed rating against the vehicle maker’s specification.
• Review diameter, width and vehicle-specific clearance.