Tire Size 185/55r15 vs 185/60r15
Considering switching your car’s tires from 185/55R15 to 185/60R15? Before you make the change, it’s crucial to understand the impact it can have on your vehicle’s performance and safety.
- Increased sidewall height provides slightly better ride comfort
- Marginal improvement in ground clearance and off-road capability
- Minimal reduction in fuel efficiency due to larger tire diameter
- Speedometer may read slightly slower than actual speed
Fitment Guide
In this case, 185/60R15 tires are 3.2% larger in diameter than 185/55R15 tires, which slightly exceeds the recommended 3% difference.
While you can still make this switch, it may require some minor adaptations to prevent rubbing or clearance issues.
On-Road Impact
Switching to a taller tire will affect various aspects of your vehicle’s on-road performance. Here’s what you can expect:
- Ground Clearance: The taller sidewall of 185/60R15 tires will slightly increase your vehicle’s ground clearance by about 0.36 inches (9.25 mm). This can be beneficial for avoiding obstacles and reducing the risk of undercarriage damage.
- Ride Comfort: The taller sidewall provides more cushioning, which can lead to a smoother and more comfortable ride, especially on rough or uneven roads. However, the difference may be subtle.
- Fuel Efficiency: The larger diameter of 185/60R15 tires will cause your vehicle’s engine to work slightly harder, potentially reducing fuel efficiency. However, the impact is likely to be minimal, given the small difference in size.
- Speedometer Accuracy: Since 185/60R15 tires have a larger diameter, your vehicle’s speedometer may read slightly lower than your actual speed. At 20 mph, the speedometer would show 20.63 mph. This difference is minor and unlikely to cause issues.
- Handling: The taller sidewall of 185/60R15 tires may slightly reduce responsiveness during cornering and sharp turns. However, for most drivers, this difference will be barely noticeable.
Off-Road Impact
If you occasionally take your vehicle off-road, here’s how the switch to 185/60R15 tires may affect your experience:
- Traction: The taller sidewall provides a bit more flexibility, allowing the tire to conform better to uneven terrain. This can lead to improved traction on rocks, ruts, and other obstacles.
- Durability: With more rubber between the wheel and the ground, 185/60R15 tires offer slightly better protection against impacts and punctures when driving off-road.
- Aesthetics: The taller sidewall of 185/60R15 tires may give your vehicle a more rugged, off-road-ready appearance. This can be appealing for those who want their vehicle to look more capable and adventurous.
185/55r15 vs 185/60r15 Chart
| Feature | 185/55R15 | 185/60R15 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter inches (mm) | 23.01 (584.5) | 23.74 (603) | 0.73 (18.5) +3.2% |
| Width inches (mm) | 7.28 (185) | 7.28 (185) | 0 (0) 0% |
| Circumference inches (mm) | 72.29 (1836.26) | 74.58 (1894.38) | 2.29 (58.12) +3.2% |
| Sidewall Height inches (mm) | 4.01 (101.75) | 4.37 (111) | 0.36 (9.25) +9.1% |
| Revolutions per mile (km) | 876.42 (544.58) | 849.54 (527.88) | -26.89 (-16.71) -3.1% |
| Speedo Reading | 20 mph (32.19 km/h) | 20.63 mph (33.21 km/h) | +0.63 mph (+1.02 km/h) |
What is the Main Difference Between 185/55R15 and 185/60R15?
The main difference between 185/55R15 and 185/60R15 is the sidewall height. The 185/60R15 tire has a 9.1% taller sidewall and a 3.2% larger overall diameter.
Can I Use 185/60R15 Instead of 185/55R15?
Yes, you can use 185/60R15 instead of 185/55R15, but the 3.2% larger diameter exceeds the 3% limit, which may require minor adjustments to prevent rubbing.
How Much Taller Is a 185/60R15 Tire Than a 185/55R15?
A 185/60R15 tire is approximately 0.73 inches (18.5 mm) taller than a 185/55R15 tire, due to its taller sidewall. This equates to a 3.2% difference in overall diameter.
Our Observation
After analyzing the differences between 185/55R15 and 185/60R15 tires, we’ve concluded that the impact of switching sizes is relatively minor. The 3.2% difference in diameter, while slightly exceeding the recommended 3% limit, is unlikely to cause significant issues for most vehicles and drivers.
On-road, the taller sidewall may provide a marginally smoother ride and increased ground clearance, but may slightly reduce fuel efficiency and handling responsiveness. Off-road, the 185/60R15 tires offer a bit more traction and durability, as well as a more rugged appearance.
Ultimately, whether the benefits outweigh the drawbacks depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you value a slightly smoother ride and increased off-road capability, and don’t mind a minimal impact on fuel efficiency and handling, then switching to 185/60R15 tires could be a good choice for you.
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.
