Where can I find my tire size?

Check the tire-information placard in the driver’s door jamb or the owner’s manual. Those sources show the vehicle manufacturer’s approved specification.

What does 235/55R19 mean?

It describes a tire about 235 millimeters wide, with a sidewall height equal to 55% of that width, radial construction, and a 19-inch rim diameter.

Is 2/32 inch enough tread?

It is a commonly used legal threshold, but laws vary and wet-weather performance can decline sooner. A tire professional can advise when replacement is appropriate for your conditions.

How to Find Your Tire Size and Check Tread Depth

The safest tire search starts with the size approved for your vehicle and a clear understanding of the tire’s remaining tread. This guide explains both before you shop.

Key takeaways

Confirm the approved tire size on the driver-door placard or in the owner’s manual.
A size such as 235/55R19 identifies width, aspect ratio, construction, and rim diameter.
Check tread in several places because wear may not be even across the tire.
Have a qualified tire professional inspect any tire before installation.

Start with the vehicle placard

Open the driver’s door and look for the tire-information placard on the door jamb. It normally lists the original tire size and recommended cold inflation pressure. The owner’s manual is another reliable source. A tire already mounted on the vehicle may not be the original or approved size, so do not rely on the sidewall alone when the vehicle’s history is unknown.

How to read a tire size

In a common size such as 235/55R19, 235 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 55 is the sidewall height as a percentage of that width, R indicates radial construction, and 19 is the wheel diameter in inches. The load index and speed rating that follow the size also matter and should meet the vehicle manufacturer’s requirements.

Match the widthChoose the width shown on the vehicle placard, such as 235.
Match the aspect ratioChoose the number after the slash, such as 55.
Match the rim diameterChoose the final number after R, such as 19 inches.
Verify the full specificationBefore installation, confirm load index, speed rating, tire type, and vehicle fitment with a qualified professional.

How to check tread depth

A dedicated tread-depth gauge gives the clearest reading. Insert it into a main tread groove and check the inner, center, and outer portions at several points around the tire. Uneven readings can signal alignment, inflation, suspension, or rotation issues.

Tread-wear indicator bars are molded into tire grooves. When the tread is level with a bar, the tire has reached approximately 2/32 inch at that location. Legal minimums vary, and wet or winter performance may decline well before a tire reaches the legal limit.

Check more than tread

Inspect both sidewalls for cuts, bulges, cracking, exposed cords, or impact damage.
Read the DOT date code and consider the tire manufacturer’s age guidance.
Confirm that repairs, if any, are suitable and professionally completed.
Match tires appropriately across an axle and follow the vehicle maker’s replacement guidance.

Frequently asked questions

Short, direct answers to the questions people most often ask about this topic.

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