Tools & materials
Tools
- Flashlight
Parts / materials
No replacement parts required.
Preparation
- Compare the tire to the driver-door placard.
Step by step
- 01Read a size such as P225/60R17 as width, aspect ratio, construction, and wheel diameter.
- 02Find the load index and speed rating and compare them to vehicle requirements.
- 03Locate the DOT date code; its final four digits indicate week and year of manufacture.
- 04Confirm all tires are compatible in size, type, load capability, and—especially for AWD—circumference.
What success looks like
Installed tires meet the vehicle placard and load requirements.
Common mistakes
- Using maximum sidewall PSI
- Ignoring load rating
- Mixing substantially different diameters
Call a professional
A tire professional should approve substitutions, staggered setups, or AWD mismatch questions.