Find your tire size before ordering

Start with the tire placard at the driver's door or the vehicle manual. Then photograph the tires currently fitted, including both front and rear. If the specifications disagree, ask a qualified tire professional to resolve the difference before ordering. Do not simply choose the size you prefer.

Michelin's tire-size guide, reviewed September 22, 2026, identifies the placard and manual as manufacturer references. It notes that a previous owner may have changed the fitted size.

Which numbers should you record?

For an example code of 225/65R17 102H:

Marking	Meaning	What to put in the request
225	Nominal width in millimeters	Copy all three digits
65	Sidewall height relative to width	Copy the aspect ratio
R	Radial construction	Include the letter
17	Wheel diameter in inches	Do not send this number alone
102	Load index	Include the complete service description
H	Speed rating	Include it with the load index

This example is a reading aid, not a recommendation for your vehicle. Michelin explains these sidewall markings, including special load markings and the distinction between sidewall maximum pressure and vehicle operating pressure.

The four-photo request packet

1. Photograph the complete tire placard. Keep all rows readable.
2. Photograph a front tire's full size string, brand, and model.
3. Photograph the same information on a rear tire.
4. Photograph the wheel and vehicle from the side to give the installer context.

If one tire differs from the others, add its photo and wheel position. Take pictures while the vehicle is parked safely. Do not crawl under it or remove a wheel just to make a booking request.

Add the year, make, model, trim, and whether the wheels are original. Record unknown details as unknown. A photo lets the installer check your transcription instead of relying on a typed number.

Copy this fitment worksheet

Keep the placard and fitted-tire readings separate. This makes a mismatch visible before anyone orders tires.

Check	Your vehicle
Year, make, model, trim	[ ]
Factory wheels or known wheel change	[ ]
Placard front size and service description	[ ]
Placard rear size and service description	[ ]
Fitted front tire size and service description	[ ]
Fitted rear tire size and service description	[ ]
Tire quantity and wheel positions	[ ]
Any disagreement or unreadable marking	[ ]

Attach the four photos above. Ask the tire professional to confirm the correct fitment before purchase. If you only need help identifying the marking, send the photo rather than guessing at a worn digit.

What if front and rear sizes differ?

Some vehicles have an approved staggered fitment. Record both axle specifications. Do not order four identical tires just because the front tire was easiest to read. Michelin's size guide discusses this front/rear distinction.

Use a simple order line:

"Front: [size and ratings], quantity [ ]. Rear: [size and ratings], quantity [ ]. Please confirm the complete order against this vehicle."

What if the placard and fitted tires disagree?

Pause the purchase. Give the installer both records and explain any wheel changes you know about. Ask for written confirmation of the approved tire-and-wheel combination. Copying an existing mismatch can repeat an earlier error.

If the placard is damaged or missing, provide the vehicle details and ask the dealer or tire professional to identify the specification. Do not substitute a search result for a different trim.

What is not a tire-size answer?

"Seventeen-inch tires," a brand name, and a spare-tire photo are incomplete for an ordinary replacement request. They do not identify the full product needed.

Once fitment is confirmed, ask the provider to name the tire model, full size and service description on the order. Keep the fitment check separate from the choice of tire brand or appointment time.

Sources and review date

• www.michelinman.com/auto/auto-tips-and-advice/tire-buying-guide/find-your-tire-size, accessed September 22, 2026.
• www.michelinman.com/auto/auto-tips-and-advice/tires-101/tire-markings-explained, accessed September 22, 2026.