Gulong.ph Team Member
How to Read Tire Size in 2 Minutes
Ever stared at the side of your gulong and wondered, “Ano ba ang ibig sabihin ng 205/55R16?”
Don’t worry–di ka nag-iisa. Most car owners in the Philippines aren’t taught this. But understanding how to read your tire size helps you:
✅ Buy the right replacement tire
✅ Avoid fitting issues
✅ Drive safer and more efficiently
WHAT TIRE SIZE LOOK LIKE
Look at the sidewall of your tire and you will find something like this:
Let’s break that down. You only need the first part for the sizing.
BREAKING DOWN THE TIRE CODE
TIRE WIDTH
This is the first 3 digits in the tire size. This is the width of the tire from sidewall to sidewall, measured in millimeters. In this case, the 265 mm is the full width when viewed head-on.
Why it matters?
Wider = better grip and handling (great for SUVs or sports car)
Narrower = help with fuel efficiency (ideal for city cars)
ASPECT RATIO
The aspect ratio comes after the slash in the tire size. This number is the height of the sidewall, shown as a percentage of tire’s width. So for 205/55, the sidewall height is 55% of 205 = 112.75mm
Why it matters?
Higher ratio (50 or more) = more cushion, better for bumpy or lubak-filled roads.
Lower ratio (50 or less) = sportier ride, better handling, but less comfort.
RADIAL CONSTRUCTION
You can find this right before the rim size on your tire size code. In radial tires, the internal cords are arranged at 90 degrees to the direction of travel, giving the tire better strength, flexibility, and performance.
There are also other construction types or markings you might see:
RF = Run Flat
ZR = High-speed rated tire usually for performance vehicles
D, B, or - = Diagonal/bias ply construction, mostly for older or specialty vehicles
Why it matters?
Radial tires provide better fuel economy, ride comfort, and durability compared to bias-ply tires. Almost all modern cars and SUVs today use radial tires by default.
RIM DIAMETER
This is the number after the “R”. This is the diameter of the wheel rim, in inches, that the tire is designed to fit. So, “R16” means the tire fits a 16-inch rim.
Why it matters?
MUST match your car’s wheel exactly
You can’t install an R17 tire on 16-inch rim (even if everything else matches)
Need Help Finding the Right Tire Size? We’ve Got You!
We get it. Reading tire sizes and choosing the right gulong could feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. That’s why Gulong.ph is here to make the process simple and stress-free.