Tire Size 175/65r14 vs 185/60r14
Are you considering swapping your 175/65R14 tires for a set of 185/60R14? While they may seem similar, even small differences in tire size can have a big impact on your ride.
- 185/60R14 tires are 0.39 inches wider than 175/65R14 tires
- Wider tires may improve traction, handling, and stability
- Ride comfort may be slightly firmer due to shorter sidewall
- Negligible impact on fuel efficiency and speedometer accuracy
- Off-road flotation and grip moderately improved with wider tires
Fitment Guide
In this case, 185/60R14 tires have a diameter that is 0.9% smaller than 175/65R14 tires, which falls comfortably within the acceptable range.
This means that switching from 175/65R14 to 185/60R14 tires should not necessitate any major modifications to your vehicle to prevent rubbing or clearance issues.
On-Road Impact
The change in tire size from 175/65R14 to 185/60R14 can have various effects on your vehicle’s on-road performance. Here are some key areas to consider:
- Ground Clearance: Due to the slightly smaller overall diameter of 185/60R14 tires, your vehicle may sit about 0.11 inches (2.75 mm) lower to the ground. This minimal difference in ground clearance is unlikely to be noticeable in most driving situations.
- Gas Mileage: The wider 185/60R14 tires may have a minor impact on your vehicle’s fuel efficiency due to increased rolling resistance. However, the difference in gas mileage is likely to be negligible for most drivers.
- Ride Comfort: The shorter sidewall of the 185/60R14 tires (4.37 inches vs. 4.48 inches) may result in a slightly firmer ride compared to the 175/65R14 tires. This change might be more noticeable on rough or uneven road surfaces.
- Speedometer Accuracy: Because 185/60R14 tires have a 0.9% smaller circumference than 175/65R14 tires, your speedometer may read slightly faster than your actual speed. At 20 mph, the speedometer would show 20 mph, while your true speed would be closer to 19.81 mph. This difference is minimal and unlikely to cause any significant issues.
Off-Road Impact
If you occasionally venture off-road, the switch from 175/65R14 to 185/60R14 tires may provide some benefits:
- Traction: The wider tread of the 185/60R14 tires can offer improved traction on loose or slippery surfaces, such as gravel or mud. This can be advantageous for maintaining control and stability in off-road conditions.
- Durability: The wider tire may also provide better protection against sidewall damage from rocks or debris when driving off-road. However, the shorter sidewall of the 185/60R14 tires may be more susceptible to impact damage than the taller sidewall of the 175/65R14 tires.
175/65r14 vs 185/60r14 Chart
This comparison table for the 175/65R14 and 185/60R14 tires with key difference.
| Feature | 175/65R14 | 185/60R14 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter inches (mm) | 22.96 (583.1) | 22.74 (577.6) | -0.22 (-5.5) -0.9% |
| Width inches (mm) | 6.89 (175) | 7.28 (185) | 0.39 (10) +5.7% |
| Circumference inches (mm) | 72.12 (1831.86) | 71.44 (1814.58) | -0.68 (-17.28) -0.9% |
| Sidewall Height inches (mm) | 4.48 (113.75) | 4.37 (111) | -0.11 (-2.75) -2.4% |
| Revolutions per mile (km) | 878.53 (545.89) | 886.89 (551.09) | 8.37 (5.2) +1% |
| Speedo Reading | 20 mph (32.19 km/h) | 19.81 mph (31.88 km/h) | -0.19 mph (-0.31 km/h) |
What is the Main Difference Between 175/65R14 and 185/60R14?
The main difference between 175/65R14 and 185/60R14 tires lies in their width and aspect ratio. The 185/60R14 tire is 10 mm (0.39 inches) wider and has a lower sidewall height (60% of the width) compared to the 175/65R14, which has a higher sidewall (65% of the width).
This results in the 185/60R14 offering better handling and stability, while the 175/65R14 may provide a slightly more comfortable ride due to its taller sidewall.
Can I Use 185/60R14 Instead of 175/65R14?
Yes, you can use 185/60R14 tires instead of 175/65R14 tires. The overall diameter difference between the two sizes is only 0.9%, which is within the acceptable range of 3% for tire replacement.
How Much Taller Is a 175/65R14 Tire Than a 185/60R14?
A 175/65R14 tire is approximately 0.22 inches (5.5 mm) taller than a 185/60R14 tire. The overall diameter of the 175/65R14 tire is 22.96 inches, while the 185/60R14 tire has a diameter of 22.74 inches.
How Much Wider is a 185/60R14 Tire Than a 175/65R14?
A 185/60R14 tire is 0.39 inches (10 mm) wider than a 175/65R14 tire. The 185/60R14 tire has a width of 7.28 inches, compared to the 6.89-inch width of the 175/65R14 tire.
Our Observation
After analyzing the differences between 175/65R14 and 185/60R14 tires, we believe that switching to the wider tire size can offer some benefits without significant drawbacks.
The 0.39-inch increase in tire width can enhance traction and stability, particularly in off-road situations. While the shorter sidewall may slightly impact ride comfort, the difference is likely to be minimal for most drivers.
The 0.9% difference in overall diameter is well within the acceptable range and should not cause any major issues with vehicle performance or speedometer accuracy.
However, it’s essential to consider your specific vehicle and driving needs before making the switch. If you frequently drive on rough or uneven roads, the firmer ride of the 185/60R14 tires may be less comfortable than the 175/65R14 tires.
Additionally, if you prioritize fuel efficiency, the wider tires may slightly impact your gas mileage, although the difference is likely to be negligible for most drivers.
Asma Akter is the lead writer at Tiresizecompare.com, bringing her expertise to the automotive industry. With a strong background in technical writing and a passion for clear communication, Asma excels at breaking down complex tire-related information for readers. Her work helps consumers make informed decisions about tire sizes and compatibility, contributing to safer and more efficient vehicle operations.
