Question 1

What does 215/70R17 mean?

Accepted Answer

In 215/70R17, 215 is the tread width in millimeters (about 8.5 inches). 70 is the aspect ratio: the sidewall height is 70% of the width, or about 151 mm (5.9 inches). "R" means radial construction, which nearly all passenger and light truck tires use today. 17 is the wheel diameter in inches. Put together, the tire stands about 28.9 inches tall when new.

Question 2

What do the load index and speed rating after the size mean?

Accepted Answer

The code after the size, such as 102H, tells you how much weight each tire can carry and how fast it is rated to go. The number is the load index (102 means 1,874 lbs per tire) and the letter is the speed rating (H means up to 130 mph). Your replacement tires should meet or exceed the load index and speed rating on the placard in your driver’s door jamb.

Question 3

What is the difference between SL (Standard Load) and XL (Extra Load) tires?

Accepted Answer

An XL tire is built to carry more weight than an SL tire of the same size, and it reaches that higher capacity at a higher inflation pressure. Heavier crossovers, trucks, and many electric vehicles come with XL tires from the factory because of their weight. If your vehicle’s placard or original tires call for XL in 215/70R17, replace them with XL. Putting XL tires on a vehicle that only needs SL is fine, though the ride can be slightly firmer.

Question 4

Can I use a different size instead of 215/70R17?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes, within limits. A common guideline is to keep the new tire’s overall diameter within about 3% of the original. For 215/70R17, which is about 28.9 inches tall, that means roughly 28.0 to 29.7 inches. A taller tire makes your speedometer read low: with a tire 3% larger, it shows about 58 mph when you’re actually going 60. Also check that the new size fits your wheel width, clears the suspension and fenders at full steering lock, and meets your vehicle’s load rating. When in doubt, ask a tire installer before switching.

Question 5

Why do prices for the same 215/70R17 tire vary across retailers?

Accepted Answer

Each retailer sets its own prices and runs its own promotions. The total you pay also depends on shipping costs, installation and disposal fees, road hazard coverage, and manufacturer mail-in rebates, which can be worth $50 to $100 or more on a set of four. Stock and pricing can also vary by region. Compare the full cost at checkout, not only the tire price.

Question 6

Do the prices shown include installation or shipping?

Accepted Answer

The prices we show are the per-tire prices listed by each retailer. Shipping, installation, taxes, and fees depend on the retailer and your location, and are shown at the retailer’s checkout.

Question 7

Should I replace all four tires at once?

Accepted Answer

Replacing all four keeps handling and braking even. If you replace only two, most tire makers recommend putting the new pair on the rear axle to help prevent oversteer on wet roads. All-wheel-drive vehicles often need all four tires to have closely matched tread depth to protect the drivetrain, so check your owner’s manual before replacing only some.

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