Tire Size 225/65r17 vs 225/60r17
Switching from 225/65r17 to 225/60r17 tires involves a change in overall diameter and sidewall height. Let’s explore the key differences and impacts of this tire change to help you make an informed decision.
- Smaller diameter decreases ground clearance by 0.445 inches
- Lower profile may improve handling but reduce ride comfort
- Speedometer will read about 3.1% faster than actual speed
- Tire revolutions increase by 22.68 per mile affecting odometer readings
- No change in width maintains similar traction characteristics
Fitment Guide
The diameter difference between 225/65r17 and 225/60r17 tires is 3.1%, which slightly exceeds the recommended 3% threshold.
While this interchange is close to the acceptable range, it may require some adaptations to prevent potential issues like rubbing or clearance problems.
On-Road Impact
Switching to 225/60r17 tires will affect your vehicle’s on-road performance in several ways:
- Speedometer Accuracy: Your speedometer will read faster than your actual speed. When it shows 20 mph, you’ll actually be traveling at 19.38 mph. This 3.1% difference could lead to unintentional slower driving if not accounted for.
- Fuel Efficiency: The smaller 225/60r17 tires make 22.68 more revolutions per mile, a 3.2% increase. This might slightly decrease fuel efficiency due to increased rolling resistance, though the difference may be minimal in everyday driving.
- Handling: The lower profile of 225/60r17 tires could improve steering response and cornering ability. However, this may come at the cost of reduced comfort over bumps and potholes.
- Ride Comfort: With a 0.44-inch (7.7%) lower sidewall, 225/60r17 tires may provide a firmer ride. You might feel more road imperfections, especially on rougher surfaces.
- Aesthetics: The smaller diameter of 225/60r17 tires will reduce the gap between the tire and wheel well, giving your vehicle a slightly sportier look.
Off-Road Impact
For those who occasionally venture off-road, the switch to 225/60r17 tires will have these effects:
- Ground Clearance: Your vehicle’s ground clearance will decrease by about 0.445 inches. This reduction could make it slightly more challenging to navigate over large obstacles or through deep ruts.
- Traction: The lower sidewall of 225/60r17 tires might provide marginally better on-road traction due to reduced flex. However, it could slightly reduce off-road capability in softer terrains where tire deformation can be beneficial.
- Durability: The lower profile makes 225/60r17 tires more susceptible to damage from rocks and other off-road hazards. This could lead to more frequent tire replacements for frequent off-roaders.
- Comfort: The reduced sidewall height may result in a harsher ride on uneven off-road surfaces, potentially reducing comfort during extended off-road trips.
What is the Difference Between 225/65r17 and 225/60r17?
The main differences between 225/65r17 and 225/60r17 tires are in their dimensions. The 225/65r17 is larger overall, with a diameter of 28.52 inches compared to 27.63 inches for the 225/60r17.
Both tires have the same width of 8.86 inches. The 225/65r17 has a taller sidewall height of 5.76 inches versus 5.31 inches for the 225/60r17, and it makes fewer revolutions per mile.
Can I Use 225/60r17 Instead of 225/65r17?
While it’s possible to use 225/60r17 instead of 225/65r17, it’s not typically recommended without careful consideration.
The difference in diameter between these two tire sizes is 3.1%, which slightly exceeds the generally accepted 3% threshold for tire replacement.
This size difference could affect vehicle performance, speedometer accuracy, and potentially require some modifications to prevent rubbing or clearance issues.
How Much Taller Is a 225/65r17 Tire Than a 225/60r17?
A 225/65r17 tire is 0.89 inches (22.5 mm) taller than a 225/60r17 tire. The 225/65r17 has a diameter of 28.52 inches (724.3 mm), while the 225/60r17 has a diameter of 27.63 inches (701.8 mm). This represents a 3.1% difference in height.
225/65r17 vs 225/60r17 Table
Below is a comparison table of the 225/65R17 and 225/60R17 tire sizes, highlighting the differences in dimensions and performance.
| Feature | 225/65R17 | 225/60R17 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter inches (mm) | 28.52 (724.3) | 27.63 (701.8) | -0.89 (-22.5) -3.1% |
| Width inches (mm) | 8.86 (225) | 8.86 (225) | 0 (0) 0% |
| Circumference inches (mm) | 89.58 (2275.46) | 86.8 (2204.77) | -2.78 (-70.69) -3.1% |
| Sidewall Height inches (mm) | 5.76 (146.25) | 5.31 (135) | -0.44 (-11.25) -7.7% |
| Revolutions per mile (km) | 707.26 (439.47) | 729.94 (453.56) | 22.68 (14.09) 3.2% |
| Speedo Reading | 20 mph | 19.38 mph | -0.62 mph |
Our Observation
Switching from 225/65r17 to 225/60r17 tires offers a mix of benefits and drawbacks. On-road, you may experience improved handling and a sportier look, but at the cost of ride comfort and slight speedometer inaccuracy.
The fuel efficiency impact is likely negligible for most drivers. Off-road, the smaller tires might reduce ground clearance and durability slightly, which could be noticeable for enthusiasts but less impactful for occasional off-road use.
The 3.1% size difference is just over the recommended limit, so minor vehicle adjustments may be necessary. Overall, this tire switch is more suited for drivers prioritizing on-road performance over off-road capability.
Sabrina Khan Tisha, a lead writer at Tiresizecompare.com, brings a wealth of experience to her role. As the CEO of amarcalculator.com, she oversees a platform offering diverse calculation tools. Sabrina’s background in HR and office management, coupled with her numerous certifications, informs her approach to content creation. Her leadership and expertise contribute significantly to the automotive and calculation sectors.
