What are the most common tyre sizes

Tyres are a fundamental part of a car. They not only provide grip but also support the entire weight of the vehicle. Every vehicle is different and may require specific tyres. Knowing the characteristics of each one helps when choosing the most suitable ones for our vehicle. The most common size among Spanish cars is 205/55 R16.

It is a classic on the road, usually fitted to a light vehicle that does not carry much weight. It is a conventional tyre that can cope very well with all kinds of asphalt conditions, as long as it is not subjected to a large load. In that case, another option should be sought. They stand out for their practicality and affordable price, which is why they are commonly seen on many models from most car manufacturers. Audi, BMW, Citroen, Ford, Toyota and many other companies have fitted 205/55 R16 tyres to their cars. For a higher range of vehicles, the 205/60 R16 size is used. It is a tyre found on the Audi A6, BMW 2, 3 and 4 Series; the Jaguar S-Type, or the B, C and E series of Mercedes.

With a slightly greater width is the 225/45 R17, a model that is more stable and safer for driving at high speeds. According to the Muchoneumatico.com website, it is a good option both for five-seater family vehicles and for small sports cars; it also has the particularity of performing very well in cold and snowy conditions.

With a lower profile and a slightly larger diameter, we find the 225/40 R18 type, which is usually fitted to sports cars. In some cases, they are high-end models such as the Ferrari GTS, Spider or F355. Some of the main brands have opted for this size for their faster vehicles, as is the case with the BMW 1 Series, Alfa Romeo 147, Hyundai Coupe, Ford Focus or Kia Ceed, among others.

Below 200 millimetres in width there is a wide group of tyres that also differ in their profile and diameter levels. Most of them have similar functions. They are used on cars that cannot reach very high speeds and whose load must be limited to a certain weight. They are models for small or medium-sized vehicles, except for sports cars that can travel at high speed. In the case of the 185/65 R15, these tyres perform very well in adverse rain or snow conditions, providing maximum safety in corners. They can be seen across several ranges of Toyota, such as the Auris or Prius, and in the most prominent models of Renault, such as the Kangoo or Scenic, or the Dacia Sandero. Many other brands also use this size.

For some years now attention has focused on tyre dimensions as a factor that adds extra value to the vehicle. The 195/55 R15 sizes, for example, are ideal for road and city driving thanks to their good grip. This reliability can be found on models such as the Seat Ibiza, Citroen C1 or Volkswagen Polo.