hey whats the XXX/XX/XX stand for when im choosing a tire size? i know the last one is the rim size right? and what are some suggestions for my 16x8 rims? thanks

 

let's use 245/50-16

245 = 245 mm from sidewall to sidewall. this is not to be confused with tread width. this is where the sidewall bulges out when mounted on a particular rim width. in this case use a 8" wide rim.

50 = 50% of the 245 is the sidewall height from bead to tread.

16 = rim size in inches.

you can put the 255/50-16 tires on 16x8 wheels and fit all the way around a 3rd gen car.

 

245/50r16
245 is the section width millimeters
50 is the height 50 percent of width (245)
r is radial(could also be vr,zr,etc.. the speed rating)
16 is the wheel diameter.
Don’t confuse section width with tread width. Section width is the width of the whole tire(sidewall and all) mounted on a wheel—the actual tread width will vary from brand to brand and tire to tire of the same brand.
Stock is 245/50 16’s. Going too wide or too small for the 8 inch wide wheel will hurt traction and tire life by distorting the tire. IMO the most I would go is 255/50 16’s—and just on the back as that size will probably rub on the front. The smallest I would go is 245/45’s or 235/55’s. I’m running 245/45ZR16 Eagle GS-C’s on my 82 and they are almost too small—without the drop kit, the tires would look too small.