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This is always beaten to death. Mostly thats because those that argue for the use of the plus sized tire over the certified tire are oblivious of safety regulations and industry standards.
The Federal vehicle certification label affixed on every vehicle built under the guidance of FMVSS (standards) is mandatory. The information on it are minimums.
The key word in the selection process for OE tires is Designated Size. Vehicle manufacturers have the sole responsibility in the selection, fitment and setting recommended cold inflation pressures that are appropriate for those fitments.
Tire size designations are not interchangeable unless they are approved, recommended or offered as options by the vehicle manufacturer.
Size designation systems presently in use:
P-Metric
Metric (a.k.a. Euro-Metric)*
LT-Metric
LT High Flotation
LT Numeric
European Commercial Metric (C-Type)*
ST Special Tire for Trailers
T-Type Temporary Spare
Size designations usually include letters which have the following meanings:
P = P-Metric (Passenger)
LT = Light Truck
C = European Commercial (Light Duty)
ST = Special Tire for Trailers
T = Temporary Spare
R = Radial Construction
F = Self-Supporting, Runflat
D = Diagonal (Bias) Construction
B = Belted Bias Construction
ST235/80R16 is a designated size
ST235/85R16 is a designated size
LT235/85R16 is a designated size
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