Buying new tires, checking specs, or just trying to understand what all those numbers and letters on your sidewalls mean? Here's everything you need to know about tire specifications and quality ratings for your 4th Gen Tacoma.
(Reference: Owner's Manual, pg. 620, 625-628)
Your Tacoma comes with 17-inch tires as standard. Here's what you need to know for proper maintenance and safety.
Your Tacoma's tires carry identification information on the sidewall that tells you everything about the tire. This section explains what each marking means.
Tires are constructed from multiple layers. Understanding the composition helps you recognize quality and durability characteristics:
Radial vs. Bias-Ply Tires
Your Tacoma will have a radial tire. You can confirm this by looking for "RADIAL" marked on the sidewall. A tire without this marking is a bias-ply tire (rarely used in modern vehicles).
Radial construction provides:
Tubeless vs. Tube Type Tires
Modern Tacoma tires are tubeless. Air is put directly into the tire chamber. Some older or specialty applications use tube type tires, which have a tube inside to maintain air pressure. Tubeless tires provide better safety in puncture situations.
Seasonal Classification
Look for the "M+S" (Mud and Snow) marking on the sidewall:
Most Tacoma owners select all-season tires for year-round driving flexibility.
Your tire size appears as a series of numbers and letters on the sidewall. Here's what each component means:
Important Note: The 245/70R17 size on your Tacoma is specifically engineered for the truck's weight distribution and suspension characteristics. Changing tire sizes affects speedometer accuracy, fuel economy, and handling. Always maintain OEM specifications unless modifying the vehicle for specific purposes (like overlanding or towing).
When discussing tires with a mechanic or technician, these are the component names you'll encounter:
These components work together to create a structure that can safely carry your vehicle's weight while providing comfort and traction.
Every tire carries identification information that helps with safety recalls and quality verification. Your Tacoma tires will display one of two identification systems.
This system displays the following information in order on the tire sidewall:
Some tire manufacturers use an alternate format:
Important: The DOT symbol certifies that the tire conforms to applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. This is your assurance that the tire has met government safety requirements.
The U.S. Department of Transportation requires all passenger vehicle tires to display quality grades on the sidewall. These grades help you compare tire performance across brands.
Quality grades appear on the tire sidewall between the tread shoulder and the maximum section width. You'll see them in a format like:
Example: Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on how long the tire will last compared to a standard test tire.
How It Works:
Practical Considerations: Don't overweight treadwear grades in your purchasing decision. Real-world performance depends heavily on:
A 200-treadwear all-season might outlast a 500-treadwear summer tire if the summer tire isn't suited to your climate.
The traction grades measure how well a tire stops on wet pavement. These are ranked from highest to lowest:
Important Note: Traction grades measure straight-ahead braking only and don't account for cornering performance.
Real-World Context: Traction grades are measured under controlled conditions on specific government test surfaces (asphalt and concrete). Real-world wet performance varies based on road surface type, water depth, and speed. Summer tires typically achieve higher traction grades than all-season tires. For a truck used in variable conditions, "A" rated all-season tires represent a good balance.
The temperature grades measure the tire's resistance to heat generation during use. These are ranked from highest to lowest:
Temperature grades indicate the tire's ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Important: High heat degrades tire materials and shortens tire life. Excessive heat can cause sudden failure.
Critical Note: The temperature grades of a tire assume that it is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause excessive heat buildup, reduced tire life, and in severe cases, sudden tire failure.
Real-World Context: Temperature grades become critical if you're towing, carrying heavy loads, or driving in hot climates. Heat is generated through tire flexing - the faster and harder the tire works, the more heat it generates. This is why:
Your tire's sidewall displays a maximum cold inflation pressure. This is the maximum safe pressure, NOT the recommended operating pressure for your vehicle.
Important: Use the tire pressure recommendations found on the driver's door jamb of your Tacoma, NOT the pressure on the tire sidewall. The door jamb pressure accounts for your vehicle's weight distribution and suspension design.
Recommended cold tire inflation pressures for your Tacoma by trim are listed in the specifications section above.
Each tire has a maximum load rating at maximum cold inflation pressure. Your tire's load index number (the 110 in 245/70R17 110T) corresponds to:
Your Tacoma's tires are rated to safely carry these loads when inflated to their maximum pressure. In normal operation, they're inflated to lower pressures (30-35 psi) and carry proportionally reduced loads.
Important Note: The load index tells you the tire's capacity, not what your truck weighs. Never exceed the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of your Tacoma, even though the tires might theoretically support more weight at maximum pressure. Wheel and suspension design limits matter more than tire load capacity.
Owner's Manual Pages:
Disclaimer:
This guide is derived from the official 2024+ Toyota Tacoma (4th Gen) Owner's Manual with supplementary domain expertise. Always follow your official owner's manual for warranty compliance. This is a reference guide only. All specifications are vehicle-specific and must match your individual vehicle's documentation.
(Reference: Owner's Manual, pg. 620, 625-628)
Tire Sizes, Tire Pressure, Wheel Specifications, Quality Grading
Your Tacoma comes with 17-inch tires as standard. Here's what you need to know for proper maintenance and safety.
Type A Trim Level
| Specification | Main Tire | Spare Tire |
|---|---|---|
| Tire Size | 245/70R17 110T | T175/90D18 111M |
| Inflation Pressure (Cold) | 35 psi (240 kPa, 2.4 kgf/cm² or bar) | 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm² or bar) |
| Wheel Size | 17" × 7J | 18" × 4.5T |
| Wheel Nut Torque | 97 ft·lbf (131 N·m, 13.4 kgf·m) | 97 ft·lbf (131 N·m, 13.4 kgf·m) |
Type B Trim Level
| Specification | Main Tire | Spare Tire |
|---|---|---|
| Tire Size | 245/70R17 110T | 245/70R17 110T |
| Inflation Pressure (Cold) | 35 psi (240 kPa, 2.4 kgf/cm² or bar) | 35 psi (240 kPa, 2.4 kgf/cm² or bar) |
| Wheel Size | 17" × 7J | 17" × 7J |
| Wheel Nut Torque (Steel wheels) | 154 ft·lbf (209 N·m, 21.3 kgf·m) | 154 ft·lbf (209 N·m, 21.3 kgf·m) |
| Wheel Nut Torque (Aluminum wheels) | 97 ft·lbf (131 N·m, 13.4 kgf·m) | 97 ft·lbf (131 N·m, 13.4 kgf·m) |
Type C Trim Level
| Specification | Main Tire | Spare Tire |
|---|---|---|
| Tire Size | 265/70R17 115T | 245/75R17 112S |
| Inflation Pressure (Cold) | 30 psi (210 kPa, 2.1 kgf/cm² or bar) | 32 psi (220 kPa, 2.2 kgf/cm² or bar) |
| Wheel Size | 17" × 7.5J | 17" × 7J |
| Wheel Nut Torque (Steel wheels) | 154 ft·lbf (209 N·m, 21.3 kgf·m) | 154 ft·lbf (209 N·m, 21.3 kgf·m) |
| Wheel Nut Torque (Aluminum wheels) | 97 ft·lbf (131 N·m, 13.4 kgf·m) | 97 ft·lbf (131 N·m, 13.4 kgf·m) |
Understanding Your Tire Sidewall Markings
Your Tacoma's tires carry identification information on the sidewall that tells you everything about the tire. This section explains what each marking means.
Tire Ply Composition and Materials
Tires are constructed from multiple layers. Understanding the composition helps you recognize quality and durability characteristics:
- Plies are layers of rubber-coated parallel cords that form the tire structure
- Cords are the strands which form the plies in a tire, providing the tensile strength
Tire Construction Types
Radial vs. Bias-Ply Tires
Your Tacoma will have a radial tire. You can confirm this by looking for "RADIAL" marked on the sidewall. A tire without this marking is a bias-ply tire (rarely used in modern vehicles).
Radial construction provides:
- Better fuel economy
- Improved ride comfort
- Longer tread life
- Better handling characteristics
Tubeless vs. Tube Type Tires
Modern Tacoma tires are tubeless. Air is put directly into the tire chamber. Some older or specialty applications use tube type tires, which have a tube inside to maintain air pressure. Tubeless tires provide better safety in puncture situations.
Seasonal Classification
Look for the "M+S" (Mud and Snow) marking on the sidewall:
- All-season tires have "M+S" marked on the sidewall
- Summer tires do NOT have "M+S" marked
Most Tacoma owners select all-season tires for year-round driving flexibility.
Decoding Your Tire Size Code
Your tire size appears as a series of numbers and letters on the sidewall. Here's what each component means:
Example: 245/70R17 110T
| Component | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Section Width | 245 | Width of tire in millimeters (245mm = 9.6 inches) |
| Aspect Ratio | 70 | Tire height as percentage of section width (70% of 245mm = 171.5mm tall) |
| Construction Code | R | Construction type: R = Radial, D = Diagonal/Bias-ply |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 | Wheel size the tire fits: 17 inches |
| Load Index | 110 | Load carrying capacity code (110 = 1,060 lbs per tire) |
| Speed Symbol | T | Maximum safe speed (T = 118 mph) |
Important Note: The 245/70R17 size on your Tacoma is specifically engineered for the truck's weight distribution and suspension characteristics. Changing tire sizes affects speedometer accuracy, fuel economy, and handling. Always maintain OEM specifications unless modifying the vehicle for specific purposes (like overlanding or towing).
Tire Anatomy Reference
When discussing tires with a mechanic or technician, these are the component names you'll encounter:
External View
- Tread (outer rubber that contacts the road)
- Shoulder (transition area between tread and sidewall)
- Sidewall (side of tire with markings)
- Bead (edge that seats against the wheel rim)
Internal Structure
- Belt (reinforcing layers under the tread)
- Carcass (main structural layer)
- Inner Liner (seals air pressure)
- Reinforcing Rubber (additional strength layers)
- Rim Lines (contact points with the wheel)
- Bead Wires (provides structural integrity at bead)
- Chafer (protective layer at bead)
These components work together to create a structure that can safely carry your vehicle's weight while providing comfort and traction.
Tire Identification Numbers (TIN) and DOT Markings
Every tire carries identification information that helps with safety recalls and quality verification. Your Tacoma tires will display one of two identification systems.
Type A Marking System (Most Common)
This system displays the following information in order on the tire sidewall:
- DOT Symbol - Certifies tire meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
- Tire Identification Number (TIN) - Unique code for tracking
- Tire Size Code - The alphanumeric size designation (e.g., 245/70R17 110T)
- Manufacturer's Optional Tire Type Code - 3 or 4 letters indicating specific tire model
- Tire Manufacturer's Identification Mark - Company name or code
- Manufacturing Week - 2-digit week number (01-53)
- Manufacturing Year - 1 or 2-digit year code (newer tires use 4-digit year)
Type B Marking System (Alternative)
Some tire manufacturers use an alternate format:
- DOT Symbol - Certifies compliance with safety standards
- Tire Identification Number (TIN) - Unique identifier
- Tire Manufacturer's Identification Mark - Company identification
- Manufacturer's Code - Product line/variant code
- Manufacturing Week - Week of production
- Manufacturing Year - Year of production
Important: The DOT symbol certifies that the tire conforms to applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. This is your assurance that the tire has met government safety requirements.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading System
The U.S. Department of Transportation requires all passenger vehicle tires to display quality grades on the sidewall. These grades help you compare tire performance across brands.
Where to Find the Grades
Quality grades appear on the tire sidewall between the tread shoulder and the maximum section width. You'll see them in a format like:
Example: Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
Treadwear Grade Explained
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on how long the tire will last compared to a standard test tire.
How It Works:
- A standard test tire is given a grade of 100
- A tire graded 150 will wear one and a half times (1.5x) as well as the 100-rated tire
- A tire graded 80 will wear only 80% as long as the standard
- Higher numbers = longer tire life
Practical Considerations: Don't overweight treadwear grades in your purchasing decision. Real-world performance depends heavily on:
- Your actual driving habits
- How often you rotate and balance tires
- Road conditions and climate where you drive
- Proper tire pressure maintenance
- Vehicle alignment
A 200-treadwear all-season might outlast a 500-treadwear summer tire if the summer tire isn't suited to your climate.
Traction Grade (AA, A, B, C)
The traction grades measure how well a tire stops on wet pavement. These are ranked from highest to lowest:
| Grade | Performance |
|---|---|
| AA | Highest traction on wet pavement |
| A | Good wet traction |
| B | Moderate wet traction |
| C | Poor wet traction (not recommended) |
Important Note: Traction grades measure straight-ahead braking only and don't account for cornering performance.
Real-World Context: Traction grades are measured under controlled conditions on specific government test surfaces (asphalt and concrete). Real-world wet performance varies based on road surface type, water depth, and speed. Summer tires typically achieve higher traction grades than all-season tires. For a truck used in variable conditions, "A" rated all-season tires represent a good balance.
Temperature Grade (A, B, C)
The temperature grades measure the tire's resistance to heat generation during use. These are ranked from highest to lowest:
| Grade | Definition |
|---|---|
| A | Highest heat resistance (premium performance tires) |
| B | Good heat resistance (most passenger tires) |
| C | Minimum legal heat resistance (basic tires) |
Temperature grades indicate the tire's ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Important: High heat degrades tire materials and shortens tire life. Excessive heat can cause sudden failure.
Critical Note: The temperature grades of a tire assume that it is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause excessive heat buildup, reduced tire life, and in severe cases, sudden tire failure.
Real-World Context: Temperature grades become critical if you're towing, carrying heavy loads, or driving in hot climates. Heat is generated through tire flexing - the faster and harder the tire works, the more heat it generates. This is why:
- Checking tire pressure monthly is essential
- Proper inflation extends tire life significantly
- Overloaded vehicles generate excess heat
- High-speed driving generates more heat than highway cruising
Maximum Cold Tire Inflation Pressure
Your tire's sidewall displays a maximum cold inflation pressure. This is the maximum safe pressure, NOT the recommended operating pressure for your vehicle.
Important: Use the tire pressure recommendations found on the driver's door jamb of your Tacoma, NOT the pressure on the tire sidewall. The door jamb pressure accounts for your vehicle's weight distribution and suspension design.
Recommended cold tire inflation pressures for your Tacoma by trim are listed in the specifications section above.
How to Check Properly
- Check tire pressure when tires are cold (haven't been driven for at least 3 hours, or checked before driving in the morning)
- Use a quality tire pressure gauge
- Compare to the pressure recommendations on your door jamb
- Never exceed the maximum pressure shown on the tire sidewall
Load Limits at Maximum Cold Tire Inflation Pressure
Each tire has a maximum load rating at maximum cold inflation pressure. Your tire's load index number (the 110 in 245/70R17 110T) corresponds to:
| Load Index | Load Rating |
|---|---|
| 110 | 1,060 lbs per tire |
| 115 | 1,215 lbs per tire |
| 112 | 1,190 lbs per tire |
| 111 | 1,160 lbs per tire |
Your Tacoma's tires are rated to safely carry these loads when inflated to their maximum pressure. In normal operation, they're inflated to lower pressures (30-35 psi) and carry proportionally reduced loads.
Important Note: The load index tells you the tire's capacity, not what your truck weighs. Never exceed the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of your Tacoma, even though the tires might theoretically support more weight at maximum pressure. Wheel and suspension design limits matter more than tire load capacity.
Source Attribution
Owner's Manual Pages:
- Tire specifications and pressure: Page 620
- Tire identification concepts: Page 625
- DOT and TIN markings: Page 626
- Tire size code breakdown: Page 627
- Uniform tire quality grading: Page 628
Disclaimer:
This guide is derived from the official 2024+ Toyota Tacoma (4th Gen) Owner's Manual with supplementary domain expertise. Always follow your official owner's manual for warranty compliance. This is a reference guide only. All specifications are vehicle-specific and must match your individual vehicle's documentation.
