Tire check · about 60 seconds
Read your tire in 60 seconds
Mon to Fri, 8 am to 5 pm Free quotes by phone.
What size is my tire?
Look on the sidewall for a code like the one below, or on the label on the driver’s side door jamb. The door label shows the size your vehicle came with.
- 265
- Width in millimeters
- 70
- Sidewall height, as a percent of the width
- R
- Radial construction
- 17
- Wheel size in inches
Spaces and dashes are fine. Or try one:
How old is my tire?
Find the letters DOT on the sidewall. The last four digits after them are the week and year the tire was made. 2319 means week 23 of 2019. NHTSA notes the number may be on only one side, so check both.
NHTSA says tires are more prone to failure as they age, and that some vehicle and tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires that are six to 10 years old, regardless of tread.
Is my tread worn out?
- Take a pennyTurn it so Lincoln’s head is upside down and facing you.
- Push it into a grooveHead first, in one of the deepest grooves.
- Look at his headIf you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, NHTSA says replace the tire. The tread is down to 2/32 of an inch.
Tires also have tread wear bars molded into the grooves. When the tread is level with them, it’s time to replace.
Tread looks low? Call and we’ll tell you what to do.Call (805) 745-1992
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Say this when you call.
What to say when we pick up
Hi Abel, I need two [size] tires, new or used.
Mon to Fri, 8 am to 5 pm Mon to Fri, 8 am to 5 pm. Every tire gets mounted and balanced.
One more thing: tire pressure
Use the pressure on the label on the driver’s side door jamb, or in your owner’s manual. NHTSA says the correct pressure is what the vehicle maker lists, not the number printed on the tire.
Common questions about reading a tire
Where do I find my tire size?
On the sidewall of the tire, and on the Tire and Loading Information label on the driver’s side door jamb. The door label shows the size your vehicle came with. The sidewall shows what is on it now.
What do P, LT and ST mean in front of the size?
P is a passenger car tire. LT is a light truck tire, built to carry heavier loads. ST is a special trailer tire, made for trailers only. No letter usually means a metric (European) size.
Where is the date code?
It’s the last four digits of the DOT tire identification number on the sidewall. 2319 means week 23 of 2019. NHTSA notes the number may be on only one side of the tire, so check both.
How old is too old for a tire?
NHTSA says tires are more prone to failure as they age, and that some vehicle and tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires that are six to 10 years old, regardless of tread. Your tire maker and vehicle maker decide the exact number.
When is tread worn out?
NHTSA says tires should be replaced when the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch, or level with the tread wear bars molded into the grooves. The penny test shows it: if you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, replace the tire.
What tire pressure should I use?
The number on the label on the driver’s side door jamb, or in your owner’s manual. NHTSA says the correct pressure is what the vehicle manufacturer lists, not the number on the tire.
Do you sell used tires in my size?
We sell new and used tires and mount and balance every one. Call (805) 745-1992 with your size and ask what we have.
Related
Source: NHTSA, Tires (opens in a new tab) (retrieved October 10, 2026). Last updated October 10, 2026.
Got your size? Call Abel.
Read him the size and how many you need. Quotes are free, new or used.