Need New Tires?  Now What Do I Do?

I consider myself to be a reasonably intelligent person.  I mean, NASA isn’t recruiting me, but many years ago my parents spent a lot of college tuition money to ensure that I would be well-rounded.  Tires make me feel DUMB!

When my daughter had her 2002 Highlander in for an oil change last spring, she was told that she would need tires soon.   I wanted to get them replaced before she headed back to college this fall so I would have one less thing to keep me awake at night in my empty nest.

“What size are the tires on your vehicle now?”

This is the first question you should be asked when you inquire about replacing tires.  My answer to this question?  “ UMMMMMMMM…….” Bear in mind, I work in a CAR DEALERSHIP. Embarrassing!

So you’ll be better prepared than I was, take a look at the markings on the sidewall of your current tires.  They may appear something like this.

P215/65R15 95H M/S

P refers to passenger car.  You may also see LT if you drive a light truck.

215 refers to the width of your current tire in millimeters.

65 refers to the height of your tire; specifically, it is the tire’s ratio of height to the width.  This number is referred to as the aspect ratio.

R refers to the construction of the tire; most tires manufactured today are Radial tires.

15 refers to the diameter of the wheel the tire is intended to fit.

You now can answer with authority, “My current tires are 215 65R15.”  You don’t need to mention the slash mark.  It’s not cool in tire speak.

Your replacement tires must meet these requirements at a minimum to meet factory specifications and to comply with federal law. 

Other specifications on tires that matter are load index and speed rating:

95 refers to the tire’s Load Index. Load index is how much weight the tire can carry.  A tire with a load index of 95 can support a vehicle weighing 1521 pounds.  (Only tire people know this.  They have a cheat chart!)

H: refers to the Speed Rating.  A tire’s speed rating is how much weight the tire can carry under extreme circumstances.  Certain speed ratings are recommended for certain types of vehicles.  For example, an H rated tire is recommended for Sport Sedans and Coupes up to 130 mph.  An S rated tire is recommended for family sedans and vans up to 121 mph.  (Again, cheat chart.)

While every vehicle manufacturer recommends a load index and speed rating for each vehicle they make, minor deviations are allowed within a certain range.  However, you need to be aware that the load index and the speed rating will reflect the longevity and performance of your tire.  Responsible tire retailers will recommend that you follow factory recommendations that can be found in your owner’s manual or on your vehicle’s information placard, which is permanently attached to your door edge, door post, or inside your trunk lid.

M+S" or "M/S." This stands for mud and snow, and applies to most radial tires sold in America.

There are more numbers and letters, most of which you don't really need to worry about. They refer to the tire's place and date of manufacture, the maximum inflation pressure, maximum load rating, composition, materials, tread wear, traction and temperature grades.

You will have to choose between summer, all-season or winter tires, between extended tread life and better handling.

As it turns out, there is a lot to know about tires.  Since all of us have a lot of other important things to worry about, we need professional advice on tire replacement.  At Downeast, we want to take the concern and confusion out of replacing your tires.  Our Tire Specialists will help you through the process and provide you with some options to help you make the buying decision that is best for you. Please call our Parts Department for more information on tires for your Toyota at 1-800-TOYOTAS.