Wheel Size: How to Measure Rim Dimension
Knowing wheel size is important for determining how well your truck functions. The key to maximizing the vehicle’s function is to follow the recommended guidelines set by the manufacturer. The wheel size is a crucial factor if you want to make sure your machine can reach its peak performance, and can also elevate the appearance of your vehicle. There are many reasons to change your wheels, whether to upgrade your look or to switch between your normal tires and winter tires. If you own a truck or a car, knowing how to read your rim size is very useful knowledge, since you may not always have access to an expert. Being knowledgeable about the vehicle you are driving can also help save you money in the long run.
The information on your tire is located on the sidewall, and sometimes inside the driver door. The numbers and letters on the sidewall are the size, tire type, tire width, aspect ratio, construction type, wheel diameter, load index, and speed rating. The first letter is usually the tire type with P standing for passenger vehicle tire, LT standing for light truck tire, and ST standing for special trailer. The construction type uses a letter to represent the type of tire; R stands for Radial tires, while D stands for Diagonal Plies or Bias tires.
The Rim dimension is usually located in the fifth set of numbers and letters. The Rim size is the distance between the two points where the wheel is connected to the tire, which, simply put, is one opposite side of the wheel to the other. Wheel size also includes the offset, which is the distance of the mounting surface from the center line located in the wheel. A positive offset is when the mounting surface is located in front of the center line. A negative offset is when the mounting surface is located behind the center line. Some truck drivers prefer a negative offset, as it gives a stronger look to the vehicle. You will also have to consider the bolt pattern of the wheel to make sure it is compatible with the truck’s hub.
In summary, to measure the rim dimension you will need to look at:
- Diameter: Edge to edge of a wheel, not including the tire.
- Width: Measurement from the inner to outer edge of the rim, not including the tire.
- Offset: Measurement of the distance from the wheel’s mounting surface to the centerline. Results can be zero, negative, and positive.
If you’re still unsure about how to effectively measure your rim size, please feel free to contact us at OTRUSA.COM, or give us a call at +1-855-687-8721! We have over 20 years of experience in the industry, and our specialists are happy to answer any questions and provide good quality tires to serve all your needs and maximize the performance of your vehicle.