How do I find the correct replacement tire specifications for my vehicle?

Use those details to identify the vehicle, but don’t treat them as the tire specification. Check the tire and loading information label—often on the driver-side doorjamb—and the owner’s manual. The label can list original front, rear, and spare tire sizes and cold inflation pressures; the manual may provide additional information. [S2]

Before comparing tires, note what the vehicle documentation specifies. Michelin identifies size, construction, load rating, and speed rating as relevant tire specifications, and advises checking that a replacement meets the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications. [S1]

Record the information as written, rather than trying to interpret or convert it:

1. Front tire size.
2. Rear tire size, if separately listed.
3. Spare tire size, if listed and relevant to your purchase.
4. Cold inflation pressure listed for each position, if shown.
5. Any additional tire instructions in the owner’s manual.

Keep pressure details separate from size details: pressure is not a tire-size specification. The NHTSA document describes the label as a source for sizes and proper cold inflation pressures, and directs users to the owner’s manual for additional information. [S2]

Use the existing tire’s sidewall as a comparison, not as your only authority. Sidewall markings include tire size and load and speed information. [S2] Michelin also identifies construction as a relevant specification and points to the vehicle placard or owner’s manual as sources. [S1]

If the sidewall and vehicle documentation don’t agree, or you can’t tell which specification applies, pause before ordering and ask a tire professional to check the vehicle’s requirements. The supplied sources don’t establish why a particular vehicle might have a mismatch or provide every vehicle’s complete wheel-fitment requirements.

Don’t assume that matching a size marking alone confirms wheel fitment. The NHTSA material does not establish every vehicle’s complete wheel-fitment requirements. [S2] Ask a tire professional to confirm that the proposed tire meets the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications and is suitable for the wheels on your vehicle.

Bring any wheel information or documentation you already have, along with your vehicle label and manual details. If you don’t have wheel information, say so and ask the professional to check what is needed. Don’t guess at a wheel specification.

Copy and fill in this note. Leave unknown details blank rather than guessing:

Vehicle: [year, make, model, trim if known] Source checked: [doorjamb label / owner’s manual / both] Front size listed: [copy exactly] Rear size listed: [copy exactly, or “not listed”] Spare size listed: [copy exactly, or “not listed”] Cold pressure shown: [copy by position, if listed] Current tire sidewall marking: [copy exactly, if available] Wheel information or documentation: [copy what you have, or “not sure”]

Please confirm the replacement tire’s size, construction, load rating, and speed rating against the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications, and confirm it is suitable for these wheels. I’m not sure about [specific unclear item].

This gives the professional the information you found and makes clear what still needs confirmation.