Why Vehicle Trim Level Is Important

Knowing your vehicle's Trim Level is important because automobile manufacturers often select different wheel and tire sizes for different trim variations for a specific vehicle style. In order to find the correct Original Equipment tire size, you should know your vehicle's trim package.

If you do not know your vehicle's trim package, there are a few places you can look:

1. Locate the trim information from the original sales invoice or window sticker when you bought the vehicle.
2. If you do not have the original sales invoice or window sticker, you can look in the vehicle's Owner's Manual. Sometimes it will identify the trim level of your vehicle.
3. Look on the vehicle itself. Many vehicles will have a decal or lettering on the vehicle indicating the trim level, usually located on the side or rear of the vehicle.

Finding the Correct Tire Size for Your Vehicle

If you are still uncertain about the vehicle's trim level, you can still find the correct Original Equipment tire size for the vehicle as specified by the manufacturer.

Beginning in 2003, vehicle manufacturers were directed to standardize the format and placement of tire information placards. The tire information placards identify the vehicle weight capacity, the OE (Original Equipment) tire sizes (including the spare tire) and the recommended inflation pressures for the tires. On new vehicles, the placard must be located on the "B-pillar", which is the driver's side doorjamb. For vehicles that do not have a B-pillar, the placard should be attached to the rear edge of the driver's door, unless it is too narrow, in which case it should be placed on an inward-facing surface next to the driver's seat. On older vehicles, placards can also be found in other locations inside the vehicle:

Finally, you can always look on the sidewall of the tires currently on your vehicle to see what size(s) are being used. You may have purchased the vehicle from someone else who altered the wheels and/or tires to use something different from the Original Equipment size.