How to Tell by VIN What Size Tires You Have

How to Tell by VIN What Size Tires You Have

Okay, listen up, my tire-trembling buddy! You ever wondered if your tires are just a tad too small? Or maybe they’re like super humongous and you didn’t even know it? Well, fear not! Today we’re gonna dive into the wacky world of Vehicle Identification Numbers, also known as VINs. Yeah, that tricky little number on your car that sounds like a secret code but is actually your ride’s social security number. It can tell you all sorts of cool stuff – including what size tires you have! Buckle up, because we’re rolling down this nutty road together!

Step one: Find the VIN

First things first, ya gotta find that elusive VIN. It’s usually chillin’ on the lower corner of your windshield on the driver’s side. Just lean over and look through the glass. If you see it, congrats! You’re closer to finding out about those tires than I am to figuring out why I always put salt in my coffee. But if you can’t find it there, check inside the driver’s door frame or the engine bay. That number is sneakier than my cat when she knows I’m about to give her a bath.

Step two: Write it down

Now that ya found your VIN, write it down. Or take a pic with your phone if you’re fancy like that. But don’t make it look like a crime scene photo; we ain’t trying to scare people away from seeing your ride! Just snap a nice clear shot so you can read it later without squinting like you’re looking for the last slice of pizza in an empty box.

Step three: Break down the VIN

Alrighty then! A VIN has 17 characters (like letters AND numbers) and trust me, they’re like riddles from ancient car gods. The first three characters tell ya who made your car. Was it Ford? Toyota? Or some other company? Then between 4 and 8 are all about how many doors or special features you’ve got. Finally, character 9 is like a secret agent number that’s meant to verify if everything is legit—which helps people not get scammed when buying cars.

Step four: Check the tire info section

But here comes the juicy part… Once ya have that VIN decoded beyond belief, it’s time to check out tire details! Lotsa manufacturers include tire sizes somewhere in their documents or online databases linked to your car’s info via its VIN. So go ahead—hit up Google and search “tire size for [your make and model].” It ain’t rocket science, but hey don’t call Elon Musk just yet!

Step five: Consult maintenance guides

On top of Googling stuff like some amateur detective—check out any manuals or service papers ya may have kicking around in the glove box or under your seat (you never know). Sometimes there are hidden gems inside those books about what type of tires fit YOUR car best without making them look like clown shoes sticking out from underneath.

Step six: Ask around

If you’re still lost after all this head-spinning info—don’t panic! Just ask someone who knows more than you do (which is basically everyone). Maybe a friend who works at an auto shop or heck—even ask a random guy at Starbucks while he sips his overpriced latte. Who knows? He might just be having a bad day and needs someone to talk tires with!

Step seven: Measure ’em yourself

And finally… Why not measure those tires yourself? It can be fun—a whole new hobby discovered right next to knitting potholders for cats! Just grab a tape measure (you probably have one lying around) and measure from the bottom of your tire to where it meets the metal rim thingie (it has some fancy name no one can remember). Got numbers? Great! Now compare them against standard sizes available online because let’s be real who doesn’t love charts?!

FAQ Section

Question: Can I really find my tire size using just my VIN?
Answer: Yup totally dude! Your VIN holds secrets about your ride’s specs—tire size included!

Question: What if I broke my phone while trying to google everything?
Answer: Well first—ouch man! That really stinks—but maybe use someone else’s phone OR borrow a library computer until yours gets fixed!

Question: Are tires sizes universal across all cars?
Answer: Nah bro—they’re kinda specific depending on make and model just like how sneakers fit different feet.

Question: What’s so special about knowing my tire size anyway?
Answer: Oh buddy—it helps with safety & performance plus prevents embarrassing moments when stopping for tacos only for them to break off mid-journey

Question: Can I drive with mismatched tire sizes?
Answer: Technically yes—but it’ll feel as smooth as running while wearing two left shoes so good luck with THAT!

Question: How often should I check my tire sizes?
Answer: Honestly dude—whenever you’re bored at home doing nothing would work but every change in season is good practice too

Question: Can I blame bad tire sizes for being late everywhere??
Answer: Hahaha well it’s worth considering… but maybe being slow is just part of YOUR charm 😉

So there ya have it—your ridiculous guide on how to figure out what size tires you got using VINs while also having some laughs along the way. Now go forth and conquer those streets with knowledge!