Tire placard checklist
Copy the right details from your door label first — then shop. This checklist is educational, not a substitute for OEM docs or a licensed installer.
Before you start
Park safely, open the driver’s door, and locate the Tire and Loading Information label (placard). Have a phone camera or notepad ready. Soft reminder: this list helps you organize facts — it does not approve a tire for your vehicle.
Checklist
- Vehicle identity — year, make, model, and trim (options packages can change OE tire specs).
- OE tire size — copy the size string exactly (for example, 225/65R17). Note if front and rear differ.
- Cold inflation pressure — record front and rear PSI/kPa from the placard, not the sidewall maximum.
- Spare notes — temporary spares often have different size and pressure limits.
- Load index & speed rating — from a correct OE tire sidewall or OEM documentation; replacements should meet vehicle requirements.
- Owner’s manual cross-check — look for trim-specific tire tables or warnings.
- Installer questions — TPMS service, mounting/balancing, and whether any alternate size was previously fitted.
After you shop
Ask the seller for the DOT week/year on the set you will receive, and confirm the service description (load index/speed symbol) matches what you planned. Have a licensed professional mount and balance the tires.
We do not claim this checklist makes any tire choice “safe” for every vehicle. Verify against your placard, OEM materials, and installer guidance.
FAQ
What should I write down from the placard before shopping?
At minimum: OEM tire size(s), recommended cold inflation pressures (front/rear/spare if listed), and any notes about temporary spares. Also record the load index and speed rating from a correctly fitted OEM tire or from OEM documentation.
Is the placard enough by itself?
It is the usual starting point for size and pressure. Still cross-check your owner’s manual for trim-specific notes, and have a licensed installer confirm final fitment, TPMS needs, and mounting.
Sources
Outbound links to public references. We paraphrase; visit the source for full wording and updates.
- NHTSA — Tires (TireWise) — Public guidance on tire inflation, the Tire and Loading Information label/placard, maintenance, and UTQG consumer grades.
- NHTSA — Safety and savings ride on your tires — Overview of why tire maintenance and labeling matter for everyday drivers.
- USTMA — Replacing tires — Industry consumer notes on matching size, load index, and speed rating when replacing tires.
Related tools
Continue with placard reading and size selection. Retailer CTAs coming soon.