Wheels and tires

WT.1

Wheels and tires

Tires are sold by size, load index, and speed rating, and by type such as all-season, winter, all-terrain, or performance. Wheels are sold by diameter, width, bolt pattern, offset, and center bore. Since the 2008 model year, passenger vehicles sold in the United States have a tire pressure monitoring system, often using a sensor inside each wheel.

Common parts

• WT·1Tires by size, load index, speed rating, and season
• WT·2Steel and alloy wheels
• WT·3Lug nuts, wheel locks, and wheel studs
• WT·4Valve stems and tire pressure monitoring sensors
• WT·5Spare tires, jacks, and lug wrenches
• WT·6Center caps, wheel spacers, and hub-centric rings

Finding the right fit

The original tire size, load index, and inflation pressure are on a placard in the driver’s door jamb. A tire with a lower load index than specified is not a safe swap. Wheels must match bolt pattern, center bore, and offset, and the lug nuts must match the seat type. Pressure sensors differ by vehicle, and many need a relearn procedure after install. The tire date code is a four-digit week and year on the sidewall; older tires can age even with good tread.

P/LTType: passenger or light truck (often omitted)225Section width in millimeters65Aspect ratio: sidewall height as a percent of widthRRadial construction17Wheel diameter in inches102Load indexHSpeed rating

Fitment checklist

• Tire size, load index, and pressure from the door jamb placard
• Bolt pattern, center bore, and offset for a wheel
• Lug nut seat type: conical, ball, or flat
• Tire pressure sensor type and relearn procedure
• Four-digit date code on the sidewall (week and year)

Before you order

Start with the year, make, model, and engine, then narrow it down with the trim, drive type, and any option the part depends on. The VIN is the most reliable way to do that, because many parts catalogs and dealer counters decode it to the exact build. If the old part is in hand, its original-equipment number is the best cross-reference. Aftermarket brands publish their own numbers and usually list the original number they replace. Two listings that both say they fit can still differ, so compare the photos, connectors, mounting points, and the notes in the listing. The find the right part guide covers this step, and the all makes reference lists each maker’s official parts catalog.

Once you know the part number, compare the same number across stores. Look past the first price at the core charge, shipping, the return window, and what the warranty covers and who honors it. A remanufactured part, a new aftermarket part, and an original-equipment part can each be the right choice, but they are not the same purchase. The compare prices and warranties guide walks through what to read. Prices on PartIndex carry the date they were recorded, so confirm the current price and fitment with the retailer before you buy.

← Sec. 13 Steering and suspension All guides Sec. 15 Body, exterior, glass, mirrors, and wipers →