how do you read tire size
prototype80
11-14-2004, 06:53 PM
ok how do you read tire size, i need to figure this out so i can pick which wheels i am going to order. my choices for a 17x7 wheel are
205/40/17
215/45/17
235/45/17
obviously the 17 at the end represents the size of the rim but what do the other numbers represent. i am looking for a z rated like the kuhmo ecsta supra but i know they wear out overnight from experience. www.wheelmax.com (http://www.wheelmax.com) has a pretty good selection of wheels and tires take a look at the tires and see which ones you think are best. im thinking nitto
205/40/17
215/45/17
235/45/17
obviously the 17 at the end represents the size of the rim but what do the other numbers represent. i am looking for a z rated like the kuhmo ecsta supra but i know they wear out overnight from experience. www.wheelmax.com (http://www.wheelmax.com) has a pretty good selection of wheels and tires take a look at the tires and see which ones you think are best. im thinking nitto
GScivic7
11-14-2004, 07:34 PM
205 is width of tires
40 is ratio of width to sidewall height
I'm guessing you have a civic, you want 205/40/17 tires. 215s may be too wide and you might have problems with it rubbing. And 235s on a civic are unheard of unless you have rims in some crazy offset with wheel spacers and fender flares to cover them up.
40 is ratio of width to sidewall height
I'm guessing you have a civic, you want 205/40/17 tires. 215s may be too wide and you might have problems with it rubbing. And 235s on a civic are unheard of unless you have rims in some crazy offset with wheel spacers and fender flares to cover them up.
prototype80
11-14-2004, 08:28 PM
thanks i appreciate your help. i saw an article in an earlier this year super street and it had how to read a tire size and all that but my wife got a hold on my magazines now im empty handed.
BullShifter
11-15-2004, 08:10 PM
You can learn all about tire sizes and what the proper size would be at www.tirerack.com (http://www.tirerack.com) or www.whalentire.com (http://www.whalentire.com)
I personally would choose a 205/45 because a thin sidewall means a poor ride. Tire sidewall are the first thing to absord bumps.
I personally would choose a 205/45 because a thin sidewall means a poor ride. Tire sidewall are the first thing to absord bumps.
eckoman_pdx
11-22-2004, 08:11 PM
205/40/R17
As was stated, the first number represents the width of the tread, in MM. So 205 means the tire has a 205M tread patch. The second number, 40, is the aspect ratio of the sidewall. It is represented in what percentage of the thread patch the sidewall is. So a 40-series tire has a sidewall that is as high as 40% of the width of tread patch. R stands for it being a "radial tire." 17 is the wheel diameter size.
If the tire is Z-rates (meaning it is rated to hold up @ speeds in excuses of 148MPH), it generally appeares in the following location: between the aspect ratio and the R--->205/40/ZR/17.
You have a Civic Hatch if I remember, so you'd probably want a 205/40/17 tire with your 17" x 7" wheels.
As was stated, the first number represents the width of the tread, in MM. So 205 means the tire has a 205M tread patch. The second number, 40, is the aspect ratio of the sidewall. It is represented in what percentage of the thread patch the sidewall is. So a 40-series tire has a sidewall that is as high as 40% of the width of tread patch. R stands for it being a "radial tire." 17 is the wheel diameter size.
If the tire is Z-rates (meaning it is rated to hold up @ speeds in excuses of 148MPH), it generally appeares in the following location: between the aspect ratio and the R--->205/40/ZR/17.
You have a Civic Hatch if I remember, so you'd probably want a 205/40/17 tire with your 17" x 7" wheels.
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