What is the tire model of the Highlander?
3 Answers
The Highlander's tire specifications are 235/55R20 and 235/65R18. In 235/55R20, the first number 235 represents the tire width of 235MM, 55 indicates the tire's aspect ratio is 55%, meaning the section height is 55% of the width, and 20 represents the rim diameter of 20 inches. The middle letter "R" stands for radial tire. In 235/65R18, the first number 235 represents the tire width of 235MM, 65 indicates the tire's aspect ratio is 65%, meaning the section height is 65% of the width, and 18 represents the rim diameter of 18 inches. The middle letter "R" stands for radial tire. The Highlander's tires are from brands like Hankook, Dunlop, and Toyo, with a non-full-size spare tire. If you want to replace the tires yourself, follow these steps: Take out the spare tire and jack, place the jack under the vehicle frame of the tire to be replaced, ensuring the jack touches the metal part of the frame. Raise the jack until it supports the car. The jack should be positioned under the vehicle, and check to ensure the jack is perpendicular to the ground. Remove the hubcap and loosen the nuts counterclockwise. Do not fully loosen the nuts; just enough to eliminate resistance. When loosening the nuts for the first time, keeping the tire on the ground ensures that the nuts turn, not the tire. Turn the nuts counterclockwise until they come off. Repeat this step for all lug nuts and completely remove the nuts. Place the new tire on the wheel hub, carefully aligning the tire rim with the wheel bolts. Install the lug nuts and tighten them by hand until all nuts are concealed. The tire replacement is now complete. Besides the model, tires also have the following common data: Tire cord material: Indicated by Chinese pinyin, such as M-cotton cord, R-rayon cord, N-nylon cord, G-steel cord, ZG-steel radial cord tire. Speed rating: Indicates the maximum speed at which the tire can carry a specified load under specified conditions. Letters A to Z represent certified speed ratings from 4.8km/h to 300km/h. Common speed ratings include: Q: 160km/h; H: 210km/h; V: 240km/h; W: 270km/h; Y: 300km/h. Rim specification: Indicates the rim specification compatible with the tire for practical use, such as standard rim 5.00F.
The tire model of the Highlander mainly depends on the specific version and year. For example, the common top-end models of the newer versions usually use a size like P245/55R19, where P stands for passenger car tires, 245 refers to the tire width of 245 millimeters, 55 is the aspect ratio where the height is 55% of the width, and R19 indicates a rim diameter of 19 inches. Entry-level models may be equipped with smaller sizes like 225/65R17. Choosing different sizes affects the driving experience: wider tires offer better grip but slightly higher fuel consumption, while narrower tires are more fuel-efficient. When actually purchasing a car, I suggest not just looking at the model number but also test driving at the dealership to personally feel the impact of tire size on suspension comfort and noise. When replacing tires, opt for the manufacturer-recommended size to ensure overall vehicle performance and prolong the lifespan of chassis components. Daily maintenance is simple too—the tire sidewall has the model number engraved, and regular wear checks can prevent unexpected issues.
When I first got my Highlander, I paid attention to the tire specifications. My previous year's model came with P245/60R18 tires, which are quite well-balanced in design. After driving for a while, I found them to be great—fuel-efficient in city driving and stable on highways. Later, after a long trip, the tires wore out significantly, so I replaced them with a set of Michelin tires of the same size, costing around two thousand yuan. The process wasn't complicated, and the mechanic finished it in half an hour. A reminder: incorrect tire sizes can affect the ABS system's performance. For example, larger tires might cause false alarms on the dashboard. My neighbor changed to 19-inch wheels without proper consideration, and it led to a sharp increase in fuel consumption and unstable handling during turns. I recommend checking the owner's manual or the label on the door for the original factory specifications before changing tires. Also, take a quick look at the tire sidewall during car washes—the size markings are clearly visible. Don’t wait until a blowout to address the issue.
