Before purchasing your tire chains, you will need to know the size of the tire that you are looking to put a chain on. If you don’t know how to find the size of your tire, have no fear. To find your tire size, you can look for the information on the sidewall of your tire. The tire size is typically a series of numbers and letters that indicate the tire’s width, aspect ratio, construction, wheel diameter, and load rating.
Here’s an example of what the tire size information might look like: P205/40R17 94T
Here’s a breakdown of what each part of the tire size means:
- P: The first letter in the tire size indicates the tire’s intended use. “P” stands for passenger car.
- 205: The three-digit number after the letter indicates the tire’s width in millimeters.
- 40: The two-digit number after the slash indicates the tire’s aspect ratio (the tire’s height to its width). In this case, the tire’s height is 40% of its width.
- R: The letter “R” indicates that the tire has radial construction.
- 17: The two-digit number after the “R” indicates the diameter of the wheel in inches that the tire is designed to fit.
- 94: The two- or three-digit number after the wheel diameter indicates the tire’s load rating, or how much weight the tire can support.
- T: The final letter in the tire size indicates the tire’s speed rating. This is the maximum speed the tire can handle.
Note that the format of the tire size may vary slightly depending on the brand and model of tire, but the information provided should generally be the same.
Searching for Tire Chains
When using our tire chains search, be sure to only include the first, second, and third numbers. Using our example size from earlier, P205/40R17 94T, you would enter 215, 60, and 16.
Once you know the size of your tire you are ready to purchase tire chains. Find the right-sized tire chain here.
Still need help finding the right tire chain? Visit the Help Center