Tire Size 225/75r16 vs 235/85r16
Switching from 225/75R16 to 235/85R16 brings notable changes to how your vehicle handles both on and off the road. Let’s explore how these differences impact everyday driving.
- Increased ground clearance improves off-road capability and obstacle clearance.
- Wider tires enhance traction on loose or uneven surfaces.
- Larger tires provide a more rugged and aggressive vehicle appearance.
- Higher sidewalls offer better shock absorption for a smoother ride on rough terrain.
- Reduced fuel efficiency due to increased rolling resistance and tire weight.
Fitment Guide
Before switching, ensure the diameter difference between the two tire sizes is within an acceptable range. 225/75R16 and 235/85R16 tires have an 8.3% diameter difference, exceeding the recommended 3% range.
This substantial size difference means that the interchange is not recommended without necessary adjustments. You may need to make adaptations to prevent issues such as rubbing or clearance problems.
On-Road Impact
Switching to a larger tire size can have several on-road effects.
- Ground Clearance: The increased diameter of the 235/85R16 tire raises your vehicle’s ground clearance by approximately 1.22 inches (31 mm). This can be beneficial for off-road driving but may affect your vehicle’s stability and handling on paved roads.
- Gas Mileage: Larger tires generally result in reduced fuel efficiency. The 235/85R16 tire has a larger circumference, which means your vehicle’s engine will work harder to maintain speed, potentially decreasing gas mileage.
- Aesthetics Look: Larger tires often give your vehicle a more aggressive and rugged look, which can be visually appealing if you’re aiming for a more off-road-ready appearance.
- Ride Comfort: The increased sidewall height of the 235/85R16 can lead to a softer ride, as the tire can absorb more road imperfections compared to the 225/75R16. However, this may also lead to increased road noise and reduced handling precision.
- Speedometer Accuracy: With the larger 235/85R16 tires, your speedometer will read slower than your actual speed. For example, at 20 mph (32.19 km/h), the actual speed would be approximately 21.67 mph (34.87 km/h). This discrepancy can impact driving accuracy and safety.
Off-Road Impact
When it comes to off-road driving, the larger tire size can significantly improve performance.
- Ground Clearance: As noted, the 235/85R16 provides an additional 1.22 inches (31 mm) of ground clearance, which is advantageous for off-road obstacles and uneven terrain. This extra height helps your vehicle clear rocks, ruts, and other obstacles more easily.
- Durability & Wear: Larger tires often come with increased durability due to their thicker sidewalls. However, they may wear unevenly if not properly aligned, especially if the vehicle wasn’t designed to handle larger sizes.
- Handling: While the increased sidewall height can improve traction on loose surfaces, it may affect handling on hard-packed roads. The larger size can also make the vehicle more prone to rollovers in sharp turns or high-speed maneuvers.
225/75r16 vs 235/85r16
| Feature | 225/75R16 | 235/85R16 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter inches (mm) | 29.29 (743.9) | 31.73 (805.9) | 2.44 (62) +8.3% |
| Width inches (mm) | 8.86 (225) | 9.25 (235) | 0.39 (10) +4.4% |
| Circumference inches (mm) | 92.01 (2337.03) | 99.68 (2531.81) | 7.67 (194.78) +8.3% |
| Sidewall Height inches (mm) | 6.64 (168.75) | 7.86 (199.75) | 1.22 (31) +18.4% |
| Revolutions per mile (km) | 688.63 (427.89) | 635.65 (394.97) | -52.98 (-32.92) -7.7% |
| Speedo Reading | 20 mph | 21.67 mph | +1.67 mph |
Difference Between 225/75r16 and 235/85r16
The main difference between 225/75r16 and 235/85r16 tire sizes is in their diameter and sidewall height. The 235/85r16 is 2.44 inches (62 mm) larger in diameter and has a sidewall height that is 1.22 inches (31 mm) taller than the 225/75r16.
Can I Use 235/85r16 Instead of 225/75r16?
Using 235/85r16 tires in place of 225/75r16 is not recommended without modifications. The diameter difference of 8.3% exceeds the safe margin of 3%, potentially affecting vehicle handling and safety.
How Much Taller Is a 235/85r16 Tire Than a 225/75r16?
A 235/85r16 tire is approximately 0.93 inches (23.5 mm) taller than a 235/65r16 tire, making it significantly taller than the 225/75r16, enhancing ground clearance and off-road capability.
How Much Wider is a 235/85r16 Tire Than a 225/75r16?
The 235/85r16 tire is 0.39 inches (10 mm) wider than the 225/75r16. This extra width can provide better stability and traction, particularly on rough surfaces.
Our Observation
Switching from 225/75R16 to 235/85R16 tires offers notable benefits for off-road driving, including enhanced ground clearance and improved obstacle clearance.
However, this switch also comes with significant drawbacks. On the road, you might experience reduced fuel efficiency, changes in ride comfort, and inaccuracies in speedometer readings.
The larger tires can impact your vehicle’s handling and stability, potentially making it less suitable for everyday driving.
The increased height and rugged appearance are visually appealing, but they come with practical trade-offs that should be considered carefully before making the switch.
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.
