The Cheapest and Most Common Tire Sizes

by Steve JohnsonUpdated August 01, 2023
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R15

One of the cheapest and most common tires used is the R15. The most common tires used under the R15 size are the P235/75R15, P205/65R15, and the P215/70R15. An R15 tire is fitted with a 15-inch rim. The most common section width of an R15 ranges from 215 to 235 millimeters, and the most common sidewall aspect ratio ranges around 70%. The R15 is a radial type of tire and has a long tread life and offers good steering control. However, it’s not appropriate for rough roads and has poor grip when traveling at low speeds. The P variant is also the cheapest and most common R15 tire, which is a tire specifically made and designed for passenger vehicles. Although most suitable for cars, some light trucks also use R15 tires. A 15-inch radial tire designed for passenger vehicles costs around $50 to $90 as of 2010.

R16

The R16 is a larger version of the R15 tire. It’s most popular variant is the P225/60R16. The P225/60R16 is designed for most passenger vehicles. It has a 225mm section width, has a 60% sidewall-height ratio and is designed for 16-inch rims. Although a passenger vehicle tire, it has been used widely in light pickup trucks and mid-size SUVs. Most common section widths range from 205 to 225 millimeters, and the common sidewall aspect ratio is around 60%. Like the R15, the P variant is the most common and is often used for vehicles used in city driving. An R16 costs around $60 to $120 as of 2010, the price depending largely on the tire brand.

R16 LT Variant

The LT variant is in the “light truck-metric” category of tires. It is specifically designed for vehicles that include medium and heavy duty pickup trucks, full-size vans and SUVs. The tires are made to handle vehicles made for towing and carrying heavy cargo. Its most popular variant is the LT245/75R16. The most common section width ranges from 245 to 265 millimeters, and the usual sidewall aspect ratio is around 75%. An LT R16 costs around $100 to $120 as of 2010.

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