The tire size is read as follows:
The first three numbers refer to the tires width, mounted on a specified rim
with. A 185 is 185mm wide and a 205 is 205mm wide. While somewhat related
the tire width can be different then the tread width.
The number after the"/" is the aspect ratio. This is the ratio of the tire
height from the wheel edge to the tread. If this number is not there it is
usually an 80 or 82.
Then the last two numbers is the wheel diameter.

Thus a 185/??80-14 is near the same diameter as a 205/70-14 but the 205/70
is 20mm wider. Actually the 185 will be slightly taller at 25.6".

Part of the tire selection process has to include intended use. If you drive
at moderate speeds in fair weather than a skinny rib type truck tire will
suffice. If winter and/or high speeds are part of the plan than there are
better choices. When VW went to the 2.1L engine in '86 they saw the need to
offer a better tire offering and upgrade the brakes. Better shoes in rear
and the thicker rotors-larger pads in front. They also offered the 205/70-14
extra load (XL) or reinforced sidewall tire. The General Altimax 205/70-14
is the current replacement for that factory offering. It also an all season
tire with M+S rating required in most areas once snow falls.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Harry Hoffman
Sent: Sunday, July 17, 2011 8:27 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: understanding tire sizes

Hi All,

So, I'm thinking that I'll go with the 185R14 Hankooks given that my current
tires are probably a danger to me and others on the road.

I'm trying to understand a few things, just for my own betterment.

It seems, and maybe I'm wrong, that when referring to the 185s they are
generally referred to as 185R14 just describing the width of the tire and
the rim size.

But when talking about the 205s, they are usually referred to with a
ratio: 205/70R14.

Does this ratio somehow become unimportant in the 185s? Or is there only one
ratio offered and that's why the shorthand?

Cheers,
Harry