Not all car tires are created equal. Driving your Dodge with a tire set that doesn't fit quite right could compromise both the safety and performance of your vehicle.
At Freehold Dodge, we know that tire size can be a bit of a mystery to drivers in Freehold, Farmingdale, and Monroe Township. That's why we created this Dodge tire guide so you can keep on rollin' well equipped wherever it is that your Dodge takes you.
Step 1: Locating Your Vehicle's Tire Size
 If you're new to tire buying, it's best to start by consulting your owner's manual to find out the specific manufacturer-recommended tire size for your car or truck. Don't sweat it if your manual is MIA. Car companies make sure that recommended tire size is easy to find and listed in a variety of places inside your car, so you just have to know where to look. Check the doorjamb on the driver's side, glove box lid, or inner gas tank hatch.
If your car or truck is already outfitted with the correct tire size and you just need a replacement set, you can also locate this information on any of your already-installed tire sidewalls.
Step 2: Understanding Tire Size Sequence
If you're a tire sizing novice, trying to decode your vehicle's tire size number may feel like attempting to read a foreign language. Standard tire size is shown in a seven-part sequence. Let's look at an example tire size sequence for a RAM 1500 Sport: P 275/60 R20 114S.
P vs. LT: The first letter in the tire size sequence denotes what type of vehicle the tire is built for. A P designates a tire built for a passenger car, which include sedans such as the Dodge Dart, minivans such as the Dodge Grand Caravan, SUVs such as the Dodge Durango, and light-duty pickup trucks, which is where we know we're on the right track with the Ram 1500. LT tires are made to haul heavy-duty loads and are normally used for pulling trailers or commercial trucks.
Tire size width: The first number you'll see (before the slash) is your tire size width measured in millimeters. Our example width indicates that from sidewall to sidewall the tires we're seeking should be 275 millimeters.
Tire height to width: The number following the slash stands for the tire's height off the rim divided by its width, a number also known as the aspect ratio. In general, this number ranges from the 60s to the middle 70s: a tire with a 60 series ratio offers increased handling capabilities in comparison to tires with aspect ratios over 70.
Construction: The next letter following the aspect ratio explains the tire's construction with either an R for radial or a D for diagonal. Most tires in the US display an R for radial.
Wheel diameter: This next tire size metric is a measurement of the diameter of the wheel rim on which the tire will be installed. Our example Ram Sport wheels can fit a diameter of 20 inches.
Load index: The load index of a tire indicates the maximum weight the tire can uphold at optimal pressure. With index numbers ranging from 1 to 150, our 144 is at the heftier end of the corresponding index, which makes sense for a pickup with the ability to tow. Of course, this number is just representative and corresponds to more than just 144 pounds.
Speed rating: The letter that concludes the tire size sequence stands for a speed rating of how much speed the tire can handle. A tire rated H indicates speeds of up to 130 mph for sport sedans such as the Dodge Dart. Our R rating indicates up to 106 mph and is typical of light truck tires.
Tips on Tire Types
Once you figure out your tire size, choosing tire type depends on the type of driving you do so you can best support your car or truck's performance. Depending on the season and the area in which you live, you may want to equip your vehicle with summer or winter tires instead of typical all-season tires.
Depending on your vehicle and driving style, you may be interested in performance tires that provide extra grip or off-road tires with enhanced heavy-duty construction for traveling rough terrain.
A tire expert at Freehold Dodge can help to guide you to the right tire type for you and your vehicle. If you want to learn more about how to outfit your Dodge with new tires, visit our tire services page or our local service center in Freehold, NJ.
Freehold, Farmingdale, and Monroe Township drivers, don't forget to have your tires rotated twice a year or every 5,000 miles. Schedule an appointment online for a tire change, rotation, or repair with Freehold Dodge today!
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