Tire Size 255/70r15 vs 275/60r15
Switching from a 255/70r15 to a 275/60r15 tire means choosing a wider and slightly smaller diameter tire. While there are benefits like enhanced traction and a more aggressive look, there are also potential downsides such as reduced fuel efficiency and fitment challenges.
- The 275/60R15 has a smaller diameter, reducing ground clearance.
- The decreased sidewall height may enhance cornering stability.
- Fuel efficiency may improve slightly due to a lighter tire.
- The wider tire provides a more aggressive appearance for the vehicle.
- An increase in revolutions per mile may affect performance metrics.
Fitment Guide
In this case, the diameter difference is -3.7%, which exceeds the acceptable range. This means the interchange is not recommended without making necessary adaptations.
If you still choose to switch, you may need to modify your vehicle to prevent issues like rubbing or clearance problems, such as adjusting the suspension or using wheel spacers.
On-Road Impact
Changing tire sizes can significantly influence your daily driving experience. Here’s what to expect when you’re on the road:
Gas Mileage
Upgrading to a wider tire like the 275/60r15 can reduce gas mileage. The increased width leads to higher rolling resistance, meaning your vehicle may consume more fuel, especially during highway driving where efficiency is crucial.
Ride Comfort
The 275/60r15 has a shorter sidewall by 0.53 inches. This reduction means less cushioning between the wheel and the road, potentially resulting in a firmer ride. While this can enhance handling, it may also make the ride feel less smooth over bumps and rough roads.
Speedometer Accuracy
A smaller tire diameter affects your speedometer readings. For example, when your speedometer reads 20 mph, your actual speed is about 19.27 mph.
This slight underestimation means you could unknowingly drive slower than intended, so it’s important to be mindful of the difference.
Durability & Wear
The 275/60r15 tire, being wider, may experience increased wear on the edges if not properly aligned.
Ensuring regular maintenance and alignment checks can help mitigate premature tire wear. Additionally, the larger size might contribute to greater stress on your vehicle’s suspension components over time.
Aesthetics Look
A wider tire like the 275/60r15 can give your vehicle a more aggressive and robust appearance.
The increased width fills out the wheel wells better, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. If you prefer a bold look, this change can significantly improve your vehicle’s stance.
Off-Road Impact
Changing tire sizes also affects how your vehicle handles off the beaten path. Here’s how the switch influences off-road performance:
Ground Clearance
Switching to the 275/60r15 slightly reduces ground clearance by 1.06 inches. While this might seem minimal, it can make a difference when navigating over rocks, logs, or uneven terrain, potentially increasing the risk of undercarriage damage.
Traction
The wider 275/60r15 tires provide a larger contact patch with the ground, enhancing traction on loose surfaces like mud or sand.
This improvement can lead to better handling and stability when driving off-road, making your vehicle more capable in challenging conditions.
Vehicle Capability
A larger and wider tire can improve your vehicle’s towing and hauling capacity. The increased width offers better support and stability when carrying heavy loads or climbing steep inclines, enhancing overall vehicle capability both on and off the road.
Aesthetics Look
Switching to the 275/60r15 can give your vehicle a more rugged and commanding presence. The wider and larger tires make your car look more capable and off-road ready.
However, some may find the change less appealing if they prefer a more streamlined or fuel-efficient appearance.
255/70r15 vs 275/60r15
This table compares the key features of tire sizes 255/70R15 and 275/60R15.
| Feature | 255/70R15 | 275/60R15 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter inches (mm) | 29.06 (738) | 27.99 (711) | -1.06 (-27) -3.7% |
| Width inches (mm) | 10.04 (255) | 10.83 (275) | 0.79 (20) 7.8% |
| Circumference inches (mm) | 91.28 (2318.5) | 87.94 (2233.67) | -3.34 (-84.82) -3.7% |
| Sidewall Height inches (mm) | 7.03 (178.5) | 6.5 (165) | -0.53 (-13.5) -7.6% |
| Revolutions per mile (km) | 694.13 (431.31) | 720.49 (447.69) | 26.36 (16.38) 3.8% |
| Speedo Reading | 20 mph (32.19 km/h) | 19.27 mph (31.01 km/h) | -0.73 mph |
Difference Between 255/70R15 and 275/60R15
Can I Use 275/60R15 Instead of 255/70R15?
How Much Taller Is a 255/70R15 Tire Than a 275/60R15?
How Much Wider is a 275/60R15 Tire Than a 255/70R15?
Our Observation
Switching from 255/70r15 to 275/60r15 offers a mix of benefits and drawbacks. On the positive side, the wider tires provide enhanced traction and a more aggressive look, which can improve both on-road handling and off-road performance.
The increased width supports better vehicle stability when towing or hauling heavy loads. However, the reduced ground clearance and speedometer inaccuracies are significant drawbacks, as the diameter difference exceeds the recommended 3% limit.
Additionally, the increased fuel consumption and potential fitment challenges can affect everyday driving. For on-road driving, the reduction in ground clearance might be noticeable, while off-road enthusiasts might appreciate the enhanced traction despite the lower clearance.
Overall, the decision to switch depends on your specific driving needs and whether the improvements in performance and aesthetics align with your priorities.
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.
