How to Pick the Right Tyre Size for Your Aussie Car

Installing the correctly sized tyres is critical for proper handling and preventing mechanical issues. Here’s how to identify your tyre size, interpret the markings, and select the right replacement rubber.

Locating OEM Tyre Size for Your Car

Check the compliance label inside your driver's door jamb for the original tyre size. You can also find size markings molded into the tyre sidewall. Common passenger car sizes are:

  • 195/65R15
  • 205/55R16
  • 225/45R17

Larger options for 4WDs and SUVs include:

  • 235/65R17
  • 255/55R18
  • 265/60R18

Verifying Size Suitability

Before fitting new tyres, our technicians at Darra Tyres verify they match the approved size for your car make and model. Installing the wrong size can impact:

  • Speedometer accuracy
  • Handling and stability
  • Clearance to suspension and bodywork
  • Overall diameter and gearing
  • Load carrying capacity

Maintaining OEM tyre sizes ensures optimal safety and performance.

Consider Overall Diameter

Along with section width and aspect ratio, evaluate overall diameter. Upgrading to a larger rim diameter without compensating sidewall profile can alter diameter significantly. This affects gearing and accuracy.

Our tyre experts can recommend the best plus sizing options that retain correct diameter for your vehicle.

About the Author

Brett is Darra Founder Kevin's son. He grew up over the past 30 years of owning Darra and before that his whole life of Kevin being around trucks, transport and everything mechanical. So whilst he is not one to pick up the tools, its certainly been a big part of his life since Kevin's 'right-of-passage' was to get him to strip an old Holden straight-six 202 engine and put it back together. These days his time is spent with his 4 kids between UK, Singapore and Australia where he has a variety of businesses.

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