
The tire model of Prado is 265/60R18. The first number 265 indicates the tire width is 265MM, 60 means the aspect ratio of the tire section is 60%, that is, the section height is 60% of the width, and 18 represents the rim diameter is 18 inches. The middle letters or symbols have special meanings: "X" stands for high-pressure tire; "R", "Z" indicate radial tire; "-" represents low-pressure tire. Maximum speed is 175km/h, and fuel consumption per 100 kilometers is 11.0L In addition to the model, the tire is also marked with the following common data: Tire cord material: represented 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 the specified load under specified conditions. Letters A to Z represent the certified speed ratings of tires from 4.8km/h to 300km/h. Commonly used speed ratings are: Q: 160km/h; H: 210km/h; V: 240km/h; W: 270km/h; Y: 300km/h; Rim specification: indicates the rim specification that matches the tire. It is convenient for practical use, such as "standard rim 5.00F".

I've driven a Prado for ten years. The most common tire size for the old Land Cruiser is 265/65R17. The numbers are straightforward: 265 refers to the tire width in millimeters, 65 represents the aspect ratio (height is 65% of the width), and R17 indicates a 17-inch wheel. However, the new top-tier models after 2018 use 265/60R18, where the larger wheel size results in a lower aspect ratio. When replacing tires, it's recommended to check the label on the door frame for the factory-certified specifications. For off-road conditions, AT (All-Terrain) tires are recommended, as the original HT (Highway Terrain) tires tend to slip on gravel roads. I've had good experience with Cooper AT3 tires.

In the auto repair shop, we've replaced many Prado tires. To check the exact model, look at three places: first, the yellow label on the driver's side door frame; second, the specification numbers printed on the side of the old tire; and finally, the vehicle manual. The standard size is usually 265/65R17, but differences in tire size can occur due to variations in wheel sizes between low and high trim levels. When replacing tires, pay attention to the load index (at least 110 for the Prado) and the speed rating (H grade for 210 km/h). Northern owners should remember to switch to winter tires, as the original tires can become brittle at temperatures below minus ten degrees Celsius.

When off-roading, I found that the Land Cruiser Prado's tires require careful consideration. The stock 265/65R17 tires tend to get stuck easily in the desert. Our team often upgrades to 275/70R17 MT mud-terrain tires, which have deeper treads for faster mud expulsion. However, upgrading to larger tires requires adjusting the vehicle's computer parameters; otherwise, the speedometer error exceeds 5%. The factory tire pressure is usually 2.2 Bar, but I reduce it to 1.8 Bar when traversing the Gobi Desert to increase the contact patch. Sidewall thickness is crucial—the 65 aspect ratio provides much thicker sidewalls than passenger car tires, preventing bulges on rocky roads.

I remember specifically researching tires when a used Land Cruiser Prado. The 2015 TX trim came standard with 265/65R17 Dunlop GRANDTREK tires, while the top VX trim used 265/60R18 Yokohama tires. During inspection, check if all four tires have matching specifications - I once found a vehicle with a different-sized left front tire, which the seller claimed was an emergency replacement. The tire production date is indicated by the last four digits of the DOT code on the sidewall, for example, 4321 means the 43rd week of 2021. Tires need replacement when tread depth falls below 3mm, and off-road vehicle tires wear about one-third faster than passenger car tires.

I learned a lot when changing tires for my own Prado. The original specifications are also labeled on the inside of the fuel cap. Upgrading to larger rims requires modifying the suspension as well, otherwise, the mudguards will scrape over speed bumps. The most cost-effective solution is to keep the 17-inch rims and switch to AT all-terrain tires, with a 265 width being just right. Pay attention to the speed rating; the original H rating is sufficient, but for sand driving, a V rating of 240km/h is recommended. Tire pressure monitoring is especially important—last time, a difference of 0.5 Bar made the steering feel off. Always check the tire sidewalls for cracks before long summer trips.


