Popular Tyre Sizes NZ

To find your correct tyre size in New Zealand, look at the sidewall of your current tyres. You will see a code such as 205/55R16 91V. The first number (205) is the tyre width in millimetres, the second (55) is the aspect ratio or profile, and R16 indicates radial construction on a 16-inch rim. The 91V is the load index and speed rating. You can also find this information on the tyre placard inside the driver's door jamb or in your owner's manual. At Hyper Drive, you can search by these exact dimensions across our full range of brands including Michelin, Pirelli, Hankook, Yokohama, and Toyo, with 200+ fitting locations nationwide.

The most popular tyre sizes in New Zealand reflect the country's most common vehicles. The 195/65R15 is the single highest-volume size, fitted to Toyota Corollas, Honda Civics, and Nissan Tiidas. The 205/55R16 is the second most popular, found on Mazda 3s, VW Golfs, and Toyota Aurions. For SUVs, 225/60R17 and 225/65R17 are extremely common on Toyota RAV4s, Mazda CX-5s, and Mitsubishi Outlanders. Performance and prestige vehicles typically use 225/45R17, 235/45R18, or 245/40R19. Hyper Drive stocks all of these sizes with same-day dispatch from our Auckland warehouse.

The tyre size code 225/45R17 breaks down as follows. The 225 is the tyre width in millimetres measured across the widest point of the tyre. The 45 is the aspect ratio, meaning the sidewall height is 45% of the tyre width — approximately 101mm tall. The R stands for Radial construction, the standard for all modern passenger and SUV tyres. The 17 is the rim diameter in inches that the tyre is designed to fit. After the size code you will often see a load index and speed rating such as 91W, indicating a maximum load of 615kg per tyre and a speed rating of 270km/h.

You can fit a different tyre size to your car in New Zealand, but it must remain within the legal tolerance. New Zealand vehicle regulations require that the overall rolling circumference of the replacement tyre stays within 5% of the original factory specification, ensuring your speedometer remains accurate and the tyres do not contact the suspension or bodywork. If you increase the tyre width, you must reduce the profile to compensate. For example, moving from a 225/45R17 to a 235/40R17 maintains a similar overall diameter. We strongly recommend consulting a Hyper Drive tyre specialist on 09 580 2403 before changing sizes, particularly on AWD and 4WD vehicles.

Tyre prices in New Zealand vary significantly by size and brand. Budget 15-inch tyres such as 195/65R15 start from around $79 each, while mid-range options from Hankook or Yokohama typically range from $110 to $160. Premium brands like Michelin, Pirelli, and Goodyear in common sizes range from $150 to $250 per tyre. Larger sizes such as 245/45R18 or 255/45R19 command higher prices, with premium options from $200 to $400 each. Hyper Drive's 10% price beat guarantee means you will always get the best available price in New Zealand, backed by our 200+ nationwide fitting network.

The difference between a 17-inch and 18-inch tyre refers to the diameter of the wheel rim the tyre is designed to fit. An 18-inch tyre has a larger rim diameter and typically a lower profile than a 17-inch tyre of similar overall diameter. For example, a 225/55R17 and a 225/45R18 have very similar overall rolling diameters. Larger rim sizes generally offer sharper steering response and improved cornering due to the stiffer, lower-profile sidewall, but may result in a firmer ride. Smaller rim sizes with taller sidewalls typically provide better ride comfort and are more forgiving on New Zealand's rural roads.

Hyper Drive offers tyre fitting at 200+ locations across New Zealand, including Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Tauranga, Dunedin, and Palmerston North. Standard fitting is available at a low cost when you purchase tyres online. Our Mobile Tyre Fitting service sends a fully equipped van directly to your home or workplace, starting from just $19.99 per tyre. The mobile van carries a full range of equipment to mount, balance, and fit your tyres on-site. To book, simply add your tyres to cart, select mobile fitting at checkout, and choose a time that suits you. Call us on 09 580 2403 for assistance.

Run flat tyres are available in most popular sizes from 16 to 21 inch, covering the majority of BMW, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, and other prestige vehicles that come factory-equipped without a spare wheel. Common run flat sizes include 225/45R17, 225/40R18, 245/45R18, 245/40R19, and 255/35R19. Run flat tyres are identified by manufacturer-specific sidewall markings: ZP (Michelin), ROF (Goodyear), EMT (Yokohama), or RF (Pirelli). At Hyper Drive, you can filter any popular size specifically for run flat options to ensure you get the correct tyre for your vehicle.

For maximum safety and performance, it is always best to replace all four tyres at the same time. If budget constraints require replacing only two, the new tyres must always be fitted to the rear axle regardless of whether your vehicle is front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive. This is because the rear tyres provide stability and prevent oversteer in wet conditions. For all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles, replacing all four simultaneously is critical — mismatched tread depths across axles can cause significant stress on the transfer case and differential components.

The Toyota RAV4 uses different tyre sizes depending on the model year and trim level. The most common RAV4 tyre sizes in New Zealand are 225/65R17 for standard models and 235/55R18 for higher-spec variants. The 2019 and newer RAV4 models typically use 225/60R18 or 235/55R18. Always check your vehicle's tyre placard or owner's manual to confirm the exact specification for your specific model. Hyper Drive stocks all RAV4 tyre sizes across brands including Michelin, Hankook, Yokohama, and Toyo, with fitting available at 200+ locations nationwide.

The best tyre brand for New Zealand roads depends on your vehicle type, driving style, and budget. For premium performance, Michelin and Pirelli consistently top independent tests for wet grip, dry handling, and longevity. Hankook and Yokohama offer excellent mid-range value with strong wet-weather performance suited to New Zealand's variable climate. For SUVs and 4WDs on mixed New Zealand terrain, Toyo and Goodyear are highly regarded. At Hyper Drive, we stock all major brands across every popular size, and our tyre specialists on 09 580 2403 can recommend the best option for your specific vehicle and driving conditions.

The tyre placard on your car door jamb (the inner edge of the driver's door) shows the manufacturer's recommended tyre size, inflation pressure, and load rating for your specific vehicle. The size is displayed in the standard format, for example 215/60R16 95H. This placard may also show an alternative tyre size that is approved for your vehicle. Always use the size shown on the placard as your primary reference when purchasing replacement tyres. If the placard is missing or illegible, your vehicle's owner's manual will contain the same information, or you can enter your New Zealand registration plate at Hyper Drive to find guaranteed-fit tyres for your vehicle.