Car tyres: size

When choosing a car tyre, it is important to pay attention to the right size. It is possible to check the correct tyre size both in your car’s vehicle registration document and on the tyre sidewall, where it is shown by a series of letters and numbers.

How do I read the size of a tyre? Let’s use the following series of numbers and letters “275/30 R19” as an example:the first three-digit number (275) indicates the width of the tyre. This figure is expressed in millimetres and is the measurement from side to side at the tyre’s widest point. In this example, the tyre is 275 mm wide.
The two-digit number in the middle (30) shows the height/width ratio of the tyre expressed as a percentage. In the example, the number 30 refers to 30% of 275 mm.
The letter R and the respective number next to it indicate the radial construction of the tyre and the diameter of the wheel expressed in inches, 19 inches in the example.

The Pirelli tyres by size catalogue can help you find the tyre size suitable for your car in a few easy steps.

Car tyres: car type

Once you have identified the right tyre size, your next choice relates to the type of car you own.

Do you need tyres for an SUV or an off-road vehicle? If so, we recommend choosing long-lasting tyres, recognised for their performance in terms of traction and reliability. Most modern SUVs are mainly suited for road driving with occasional spells on light terrain. However, to get the best out of the off-road potential of a 4x4, it is worth investing in.

If you are looking for tyres for an electric or hybrid car we recommend tyres for electric cars designed to dissipate less energy, thanks to their low rolling resistance.

Lastly, car tyres are also categorised according to their performance, as in the case of sports tyres, for example, or in terms of their efficiency, such as fuel saving tyres.

Car tyres: type of terrain

Another factor that influences the choice of car tyres is that of the type of terrain on which you want to drive your vehicle. For this search criteria, Pirelli offers tyres for different objectives. The most popular are tyres to support all surfaces, known as all terrain tyres, but for those who need to drive on even more demanding surfaces, mud tyres are the ideal choice.

FAQs

How to read a tyre size?

The markings on the tyres follow a universal logic and convey specific information that is very important for comparing products and making decisions about safety. Let’s look at a quick example, the size 275/30 R19 stands for:
(275) is the width of the tyre in millimetres
(30) is the height/width ratio of the tyre as a percentage
“R” indicates the radial construction of the tyre
(19) is the diameter of the wheel expressed in inches

What are the differences between car and SUV tyres?

Unlike tyres for compact cars, SUV tyres have a different compound made to support more weight and provide improved traction and driving comfort.

What is the correct tyre pressure?

There is no such thing as one single answer to the question of ideal tyre pressure: please refer to the recommended pressure shown in your car’s manual and in the relevant table. Checking your car’s tyre pressures is of fundamental importance to your safety.

When should I change my car’s tyres?

It is hard to define the lifespan of a tyre because a number of different criteria are involved; however, to improve their lifespan, it is important to carry out constant maintenance: check the tyre pressure regularly, avoid collisions, and store the tyres properly when they are being changed.