Wondering what tire size means? We can help. Read on as we explore the meaning of tire size to uncover its definition, origin, and more.
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Kevin
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March 2, 2022
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Common Questions
Wondering what tire size means? We can help. Read on as we explore the meaning of tire size to uncover its definition, origin, and more.
When you’re on the hunt for tires, you may come across some auto service terms that you’re unfamiliar with, such as tire size. Seeing as the tires on your car are imperative to get you from point A to point B safely, having a basic understanding of this term is of the utmost importance for drivers.
In this guide, we explore the automotive industry to uncover everything you should know about tire size, including its definition, importance, and more. So buckle up, and keep reading!
Tire size can be defined as a collection of numbers and letters that describe tire type, width, sidewall height, and wheel diameter — alongside other information. An example of a common tire size is as follows: P225/65R17.
The tire size for your vehicle and wheels can be found in two places:
Understanding how to read tire size can be a little confusing— especially if you’re not too well-versed in automotive specs.
To help, let’s break down the tire size example that we provided above (P225/65R17):
All tires sold in the United States must meet the standards agreed upon by the Tire and Rim Association (TRA) and the European Tire and Rim Technical Organization (ETRTO) — these standards are virtually interchangeable.
In 1846, a Scottish entrepreneur named Robert William Thomson filed a patent in France for a wheel that he called “leather filled with air.” This was the first tire known to man.
Fast forward to about 40 years later, a veterinarian named John Boyd Dunlop invented a different kind of tire. On December 7th, 1888, he patented his revolutionary invention, calling it the pneumatic tire.
In the following years, Dunlop’s tire underwent a range of developments, both by the inventor himself and by others (such as Thomas Hancock), ultimately paving the way for the versatile tires used today.
Now that you understand what tire size means let’s take a look at a few other automotive terms that are related to tire size. Discovering like-words won’t only help to further your understanding of the term tire size, but it can improve your overall vocabulary, as well.
Sizing information provides a significant amount of detail about the tire, such as the:
Learning how to read tire size can be confusing, but it’s important. That being said, if you ever feel stuck or unsure, feel free to refer back to this guide. Whether you’re shopping for a new set of tires, looking to replace one broken tire, or simply curious about the numbers etched into your tires, you can always count on us to help!