How Big Are Semi Truck Tires? (All You Need to Know)

Semi-trucks are larger than regular cars, so naturally, they need larger tires. There are some significant differences between standard tires and semi-truck tires. But how big are semi-truck tires, and how to read the size of a semi-truck tire? 

Here is a simple guide to the different sizes of a semi-truck tire and some essential info you may need.

How big are semi-truck tires?

Semi-truck tires range between 225 mm to 295 mm in width. The rim diameter or center part of a tire can be 19.5 to 22.5 inches. The height of a semi-truck tire depends on the aspect of the tire. The aspect of a semi-truck tire is generally 70% to 75% of the width. 

Semi-trucks are used for carrying heavy loads and driving for long hours. That’s why its tires are differently designed than car tires. But similar to the car tires, you can choose different semi-truck tires depending on your necessity.

There are a few designs of semi-truck tires that are a bit smaller in width than car tires. But Generally, semi-truck tires are wider than car tires. Regular car tires are 135 mm wide, while 275 and 295 mm wide tires are widely used for semi-trucks.

It is a little tricky to understand the sizes of semi-truck tires. Usually, you will see codes like 295/75R22.5. It looks pretty complex, but it is easy once you know the different parts of the code.

The width of the semi-truck tires stays at the front of the code. In the previous code, we mentioned 295 is the width of the tires. (295/75R22.5) The first three numbers tell about the width of the tires. Car tires usually follow the same rules as semi-truck tires.

And next, we have the tire aspect. After slash, the following two digits express the tire aspect of a semi-truck tire. In the above size code, 75 is the tire aspect of the semi-truck tire.

The tire aspect works a little differently than the size. The aspect expresses the ratio of the rim to the thread length of the tire’s width. The last number of the code says the rim diameter in inches.

However, in the following sections, we will discuss the reading process of tires size in more detail. Let’s talk about some of the best semi-truck brands you can choose.

Falken Steer Tire:

Falken steer tires are famous for their longer mileage and better fuel efficiency.

Lavingator Steer Tires:

If you focus on grip capacity and tires that can withstand long drives for many years, Lavingator steer tires are the best option.

Pirelli Commercial Tires:

Pirelli commercial tires are a well-reputed tire manufacturer and provide high-quality semi-truck tires.

American Transportation Steer Tire:

If you are looking for cost-efficient tires, American Transportation steer tires can be a good option.

Road Warrior Steer Tire:

Road Warrior Steer Tires designed their tires focusing on maximum grip and control. 

What is the most common semi-truck tire size?

Semi-trucks tires come in different sizes, but some are more popular among drivers. 295/75R22.5, 275/70R22.5, 225/70R19.5 are the most common sizes of semi-truck tires.

As we can see from the size codes, two of the sizes are much wider than the regular car tire, and the last one is slightly less wide than car tires. However, semi-truck tires are built with sturdy materials and are tougher than car tires.

The semi-truck tire aspect usually is 70% to 75%, whereas a car tire aspect is 40%. That means semi-truck tires are taller than car tires.

How to read the size of a semi-truck tire?

Let’s talk about how to read the size code of a semi-truck tire. It’s essential to have a clear understanding of the tire size if you have or drive a semi-truck. You may need the knowledge while changing tires or choosing a better tire that boosts performance.

To keep this simple, we will explain only one size code and different parts of it. Let’s choose 275/70R22.5.

Tire width:

The first three numbers of the size code tell you about width in mm. In the code above, 275 mm (275/70R22.5) is the width of the tires. It is the part of the tire that touches the ground. Wider tires provide better grip and balance.

Tire height:

After the first three digits of the tires, you will find a slash and then another number. That number means the aspect of the tire. Unlike the width, height is expressed in percentage (275/70R22.5). 

In the code, 70% is the aspect of the tire which means the length of the tire rim to the thread is 70% of the car’s width.

The larger the percentage, the higher the tire. If we compare a car tire’s height, its aspect is 40% of its width.

Type of the tire:

The following letter of the size code expresses the type of the tire. Generally, you will find ‘R’ (275/70R22.5) for semi-truck tires, which means Radial. Redial tires are supported with steel belts that run inside the tire and help to keep their shape.

Rim diameter:

Rim diameter is simply the size of the rim of the semi-truck. Rim diameter is expressed in inches. So for the above size code, 22.5 inches (275/70R22.5) is the rim diameter of the semi-truck tire.

Why do semi-trucks have big tires?

Here are the reasons why semi-trucks need bigger tires,

Semi-trucks are heavy:

Semi-trucks are heavy, and they need to carry many loads. So without a bigger and hardy tire, a semi-truck can not run for long. The wider tire provides the necessary balance to run with a heavy load. 

Bigger tires mean more rubber between the truck and road, which is essential to driving tons of weight.

Semi-trucks runs longer:

Genarally residencial cars runs sevarel miles a day. But semi-trucks have different duties. They need to drive hundreds of miles every week with huge weight. The weight and the pressure are hard to withstand for smaller tires.

Driving for a more extended period creates a lot of heat, which is hard to bear without a bigger tire. Semi-truck tires have danced rubber that can handle that much heat and pressure.

For long stable driving:

Bigger tires distribute the load evenly, essential for carrying heavy loads.

Are Bigger tires good or bad for your truck?

Bigger tires are essential for trucks as trucks need to drive long-distance with a heavy load. That means truck tires need to bear a lot of pressure for hours.

Bigger tires have more material that helps to withstand high pressure and temperatures for a long time. Semi-truck tires are also made with compact layers of high-quality natural rubber that can withstand much stress and resist damage. 

Car tires are less compact and made with less hardy rubber layers.

How much do semi-truck tires weigh?

One hundred ten pounds is the average weight of semi-truck tires. The weight varies depending on the size and width of the tire.

Semi-truck tires are a lot bigger, wider, and made with compact hardy materials, making them capable of running with enormous loads for years.

295/75R22.5 tires are havier as it contains more material for their width, whereas 225/70R19.5 tires are lighter and less broad.

How much do semi-truck tires cost?

Semi-truck tires can range between 150$ to above 500$. Always consider branded tires for better and longer service. Mostly cheaper tires come with no warranty and do not lasts longer.

Prioritize cost per mile while buying semi-truck tires. A 500$ tire can be worth it if it lasts longer.

Most renowned tire brands provide a warranty of up to 10 years, but it is better to change your semi-truck tires every six years to be on the safe side.

How long are semi-truck tires good for?

Generally, good-quality semi-truck tires can run for six years without issues. After six years, you should consider changing the tires. If the tire gets damaged, you may have to replace the tires before six years.

The tire life also depends on how much load it takes and how often you drive your truck. Some tire companies sell cheap tires, which do not do well in the long run, so more affordable tires are not always cost-effective.

Never change a single tire. Newer tires have more thread and provide a better grip on the road. Always change tires in pairs as uneven grip can be problematic for driving.

Final thoughts

Semi-truck tires are bigger, broader, and heavier than car tires. They can be 225 to 295 mm wide and a lot taller than car tires. If you want to change your tires, make sure you understand the size code of tires and check the manufactures guide for suitable sizes. Always change the tires in pairs.