What is the tire model of the Toyota Prado?
4 Answers
The tire model of the Toyota Prado is 265/60R18. The first number, 265, indicates that the tire width is 265mm. The number 60 represents the aspect ratio of the tire section, which is 60%, meaning the section height is 60% of the width. The number 18 indicates the rim diameter is 18 inches. The letters or symbols in the middle have special meanings: "X" denotes a high-pressure tire; "R" or "Z" indicates a radial tire; "-" represents a low-pressure tire. The maximum speed is 175km/h, and the fuel consumption per 100 kilometers is 11.0L. In addition to the model, the tire also displays the following common data: Tire cord material: Indicated by Chinese pinyin, such as M for cotton cord, R for rayon cord, N for nylon cord, G for steel cord, and ZG for steel radial cord tire. Speed rating: Indicates the maximum speed at which the tire can carry a specified load under defined conditions. Letters from A to Z represent certified speed ratings ranging 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 size compatible with the tire for practical use, such as "Standard Rim 5.00F".
I've been driving a Prado for three years and noticed that the factory tires come in several configurations: the base model is equipped with 265/65R17 highway tires, while the higher trim uses 265/60R18 Dunlop AT tires. I remember the owner of the modification shop specifically reminded me last time I changed tires that for off-roading, you need to look for the LT marking on the tires—light truck tires are the only ones that can handle gravel roads. Don't get the numbers on the tire sidewall wrong; for example, 275/70R17 is one centimeter wider than the factory size and can easily rub against the wheel arches without a suspension lift. Here's a little-known fact: don't mix tires of the same size between the Land Cruiser and Prado—the Land Cruiser's tire sidewalls are thicker and have a higher load index. When changing tires, it's best to check the manual to confirm the speed rating; for example, an H-rated tire can only handle up to 210 km/h when speeding on desert highways, while a V-rated one can go up to 240 km/h.
Last time I accompanied my friend to the auto parts market to buy tires for his Land Cruiser, the experienced mechanic showed us the manual and said: Most Middle East version Prados now come with either 265/65R17 or 265/60R18 tires. Here's a tip - check if the sidewall number suffix has 'LT' letters, like in 265/70R16LT where LT stands for Light Truck tires, which are suitable for construction sites. If you often drive on snow and ice, look for the snowflake mountain symbol. Tire pressure matters too - in winter, inflating to 2.8 for highway driving saves more fuel than 2.5, but for washboard roads, reduce it to 1.8 to avoid damaging the shock absorbers. Remember to check tread depth - off-road tires need replacement when below 3mm, otherwise getting stuck will waste too much time.
Just finished servicing five Prados for the fleet. There are actually three tire specifications: the parallel import Middle East version commonly uses 265/70R16; the China-spec 3.5L models use 265/60R18; and the older 4000 models are equipped with 265/65R17. Focus on the three-digit combination on the tire sidewall: 265 is the tire width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio thickness, and R18 refers to 18-inch rims. For desert driving, it's recommended to switch to wider 285 tires for better traction, but you need to flash the ECU to modify the speedometer data first. Tire pressure monitoring is especially important. Last week, a vehicle forgot to calibrate, leading to a tire blowout in the desert and a broken half-shaft, costing 20,000 yuan to repair.
