You’re driving down the highway and you see a sign that says “What size tire is 295?” You think to yourself, “I don’t know, but I’ll ask the internet.” You pull over, go to Google, and type in “What size tire is 295?” The first result is a blog post from TireSize.com.
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Standard Sizes
There are a few different standard sizes for295 tires. The most common size is295/75R17. This is the size that is generally used for light trucks and SUVs. Other sizes that are available are 295/70R17 and 295/60R17.
P-Metric and Euro-Metric Tires
P-Metric and Euro-Metric Tires
Most passenger car tires sold in North America are P-metric. These are sometimes referred to as Standard tires. P-metric tires have a “P” designation at the beginning of the tire size. P215/60R16 95H is an example of a P-metric tire size. The “P” stands for Passenger Vehicle and the letter immediately following the “P” is the Load Range (or ply rating). If no letter follows the “P,” the tire is not rated for a specific load range.
Euro-metric tires have a subtle but important difference in their sizing parameters, as well as how they’re constructed versus our domestic (U.S./Canadian) P-metric counterparts. The obvious difference in labeling is that Euro-metrics have a “LT” in place of the “P” (Example: LT235/75R15 104/101Q). The other main difference is how they’re constructed — specifically, their load capacities and inflation pressures versus their domestic counterparts that were designed to deliver similar handling characteristics characterized by shorter sidewalls and correspondingly reduced comfort levels on our North American roads, which are generally smoother than those found in Europe.
LT-Metric Tires
These tires are common on light trucks and SUVs. They’re available in widths ranging from 235 to 285 millimeters (about 9.25 to 11.25 inches), and heights ranging from 30 to 40 millimeters (about 1.2 to 1.6 inches). The most common aspect ratio is 75, but you also see 70-series tires, as well as a few 80-series tires, mostly on newer vehicles. Metric tire sizes all start with a “LT” designation, for “light truck.”
Run-Flat Tires
You’ve seen the warning signs on the side of the road: “Caution, Run-Flat Tires.” But what are they? Run-flat tires are those that can keep running even after they’ve been punctured. The U.S. military has been using them for years, and now they’re becoming more common on passenger vehicles as well.
The main advantage of run-flat tires is that you can keep driving even if you get a flat. That means you won’t have to change a tire by the side of the road, or call a tow truck. And since you don’t have to carry a spare tire, you can save some weight and space in your trunk.
There are two main types of run-flat tires: those with reinforced sidewalls, and those with an internal support ring. Sidewall-reinforced tires are designed to keep running even if the tread is completely worn away. They’re not meant to be driven indefinitely, but they can get you to a safe place where you can change tires or call for help.
Tires with an internal support ring are designed to run even if the tire is completely deflated. They also provide some cushioning in case of a blowout, which can help prevent accidents.
Run-flat tires usually cost more than regular tires, but they can be worth the investment if you frequently drive in areas where flat tires are common, or if you simply want the peace of mind that comes with knowing you won’t have to change a tire by the side of the road.
Spare Tires
The size of a tire is the measure of its width in millimeters. Tires for passenger cars typically range in width from 135 to 315 mm. The first number in a tiresize array refers to the width of the tire while the second number indicates the height, or cross-section, of the tire. The higher the cross-section number, the taller the sidewall; tires with very low cross-section numbers have bulging sidewalls.
A plus or minus sign (+ or -) after the second number in a tire size means that the tire has extra-wide sidewalls OR extra-narrow sidewalls, respectively. Wider tires result in increased traction but may also result in poorer fuel economy and increased rolling resistance. Narrower tires allow a vehicle to accelerate faster and make tighter turns but may also cause increased road noise and a harsher ride
