What does 225/65r17 tire mean?
2 Answers
In a 225/65r17 tire, 225 indicates the tire's cross-sectional width of 225mm; 65 represents the aspect ratio, which is the percentage of the tire's cross-sectional height divided by the tire's width; r stands for radial tire type; and 17 denotes the rim diameter of 17 inches. Tires are one of the essential components of a vehicle, directly contacting the road surface and working with the vehicle's suspension to mitigate impacts during driving, ensuring good ride comfort and smoothness. They also ensure excellent adhesion between the wheels and the road, improving the vehicle's traction, braking, and off-road capability. Tire specifications are typically marked on the tire sidewall, including information such as the aspect ratio and tire width. Wider tires have a larger contact area with the ground, enhancing driving feel and stability. However, wider tires also increase rolling resistance, leading to higher fuel consumption. Tires with a lower aspect ratio have thinner sidewalls, providing better feedback from the road surface. Additionally, low-aspect-ratio tires offer stronger lateral support and better handling.
Last time I changed tires, I looked into the numbers 225/65R17. 225 refers to the tire width of 225 millimeters, which is the width of the tire's contact patch with the ground. 65 is the aspect ratio, meaning the sidewall height is 65% of the width—a 65% sidewall height provides good cushioning, making bumps like speed bumps less jarring. R stands for radial construction, a technology used in over 90% of tires today, offering strong support and long lifespan. 17 is the rim size of 17 inches, and new tires must match the original wheel size. This specification is common in SUVs, such as the Honda CR-V, balancing stability and comfort. When choosing tires, always stick to the original factory size, as deviations could affect inspections or handling. I've personally used this size on my car, and it provided excellent grip during high-speed cornering.
