Tires are a main reason why you're able to get from Point A to Point B every day. Whether that means a ride to work, a quick trip to school to drop off the kids, or off the beaten path for a weekend adventure, the tires on your car take you where you need to go.
It's important to know your vehicle's tire size since the right tires mean you enjoy the best possible vehicle performance. So, how do you find the right tire size? Audi North Miami has compiled this guide for drivers in Miami, Miami Beach, and Hollywood to help find accurate information for your car, truck, or SUV. If you have further questions, contact us to speak with an expert on our team.
Where to Find Tire Size
To learn how to read Audi tire size, it's important to know where to look first. In most vehicles, tire size can be found in these distinct places:
- The Owner's Manual
- Driver's Side Door Jamb
- Interior of the Glove Box
- Gas Tank Hatch
If you know the original tires are still installed on the vehicle, size information can also be found on the sidewall of the tire itself. No matter where you look, you have to be able to decipher what the tire is trying to tell you.
All tires from each manufacturer have a sequence of letters and numbers that have this valuable info. Now, let's jump into how to read the tire size correctly, so you can equip your Audi with a new set of wheels that will take you where you need to go.
Tire Size: An Interpretation
Now it's time to speak the language of tires. Installing the right ones on your car ensures the best possible performance and safety while driving your Audi, and your tires give you all the information you need. Below, you'll find everything you need to look for on the tire to make sure you know the right size.
Lettering - Type of Tire
When taking a gander at those aforementioned letters and numbers, the first one you're going to see indicates what type of tire you need to be looking for. Most likely, you're going to find the letters P, LT, or T.
If you see the letter P beginning the sequence of letters and numbers, it means you have a P-Metric tire, which is standard for meeting US road requirements. This describes your everyday, common passenger vehicle. In other words, a hatchback, sedan, or SUV.
The letters LT, which sometimes will alternatively appear at the end of the sequence, as well, designates this tire is meant for light trucks-vehicles destined to handle cargo or pull trailers. Finally, the letter T means temporary and is the designation for the spare tire.
Tire Width
Next, you'll see a set of numbers. These show you what the width of your tire is from sidewall to sidewall. These three digits before a slash (/) mark will tell you the size of tire you need to fit into your vehicle without any issues.
For example, P225 is a tire that should be used on a passenger vehicle with a width of 225 millimeters. It's important to check this number against what's laid out in your owner's manual to make sure it's the right match if you're buying a set of tires.
Ratio Aspect & Radical Lining
Right after the above-mentioned slash mark, you'll find two numbers followed by the letter R. This set of numbers indicates the height of the tire's cross-section to its width, which is called the aspect ratio. For example, if you see /60 R on your tire's sidewall, your height is 60% of the width to the tire.
After the aspect ratio, you'll find an R. This stands for Radical, which means the layers of your tires run radically across it.
Diameter of the Wheel
Succeeding the R, there will be two numbers. These specify the size of your wheel that your tire is meant to fit on. If you see a 20, it means your wheel diameter needs to be 20 inches. If 19 is listed, your wheel diameter is 19 inches, and so on.
Load Index & Speed Rating
Finally, at the end of this sequence, there will be a set of numbers followed by a letter. The numbers represent what is called the loan index and tell you how much weight this tire can support.
The last letter tells you about the speed rating. This is how fast the tire is capable of going while still being able to remain steady and in control, and each letter represents a different range of speeds. For example, one of the most common letters on American tires is H, which has a max recommended speed of 130 MPH.
Audi Tire Repair & Service
If you're unsure you're reading the tires size correctly and need some assistance or are ready to purchase a new set, visit our Audi tire center today. Our crew can determine which size is right for your vehicle and equip your car with a new set of wheels in no time.
We also offer state-of-the-art tire service when you need it the most. Whether it's time for maintenance for your tires or you'd like a brand-new set installed, we're here to assist you. Our technicians professionally perform tire rotations, wheel alignments, and pressure checks to ensure you're able to take on the roads ahead.
To save on a new set of tires or other tire services, check out our tire specials today.
Let Our Tire Technicians Handle Your Audi in North Miami FL
Whether you're in need of tire repair, looking for brand-new tire installation, or just want a question answered by a professional, reach out to our service center at Audi North Miami. You can easily make an appointment online using our scheduling tool, or you can also just give us a call.
We've proudly served drivers in Miami, Miami Beach, and Hollywood for years and look forward to assisting you, too. See you soon!
