Tire Size 275/55r20 vs 33×12.50r20
Switching from 275/55r20 to 33×12.50r20 tires involves a significant change in size and performance. Let’s explore the impacts of this tire switch and what it means for your driving experience.
- Larger diameter increases ground clearance by 1.11 inches
- Wider tread may improve off-road traction but reduce fuel efficiency
- Taller sidewall height could result in a softer ride
- Speedometer will read about 3.5% slower than actual speed
- Tire revolutions decrease by 21.27 per mile affecting odometer readings
Fitment Guide
The diameter difference between 275/55r20 and 33×12.50r20 tires is 3.5%, which slightly exceeds the recommended range of 3%.
This means the interchange is not typically recommended without making necessary adaptations to prevent issues like rubbing or clearance problems.
On-Road Impact
Switching to 33×12.50r20 tires will noticeably affect your vehicle’s on-road performance. Here’s what you might experience:
- Gas Mileage: The larger diameter of the 33×12.50r20 tires means they make fewer revolutions per mile (21.27 less, or a 3.4% decrease). This could lead to a slight decrease in fuel efficiency due to increased rolling resistance and the tire’s wider profile.
- Speedometer Accuracy: Your speedometer will be affected by this change. When it reads 20 mph, your actual speed will be about 20.7 mph. This 3.5% difference could lead to unintentional speeding if not accounted for.
- Ride Comfort: The taller sidewall height (0.56 inches or 9.3% more) of the 33×12.50r20 tires may result in a softer ride. You might feel fewer road imperfections and bumps, especially on rougher roads.
- Aesthetics: The wider width (1.69 inches or 15.6% more) and larger overall size of the 33×12.50r20 tires will significantly change your vehicle’s appearance. It will likely look more aggressive and have a slightly higher stance due to the larger tires.
- Handling: The wider width could improve traction, especially in dry conditions. However, it might also increase the risk of hydroplaning in wet weather and could make the steering feel heavier.
Off-Road Impact
For off-road enthusiasts, the switch to 33×12.50r20 tires can bring substantial changes:
- Ground Clearance: The larger diameter will increase your vehicle’s ground clearance by about 0.555 inches (half of the 1.11-inch diameter increase). This can be beneficial when navigating over obstacles or through deep ruts.
- Traction: The wider width of the 33×12.50r20 tires will provide better traction in most off-road conditions, including mud, sand, and loose gravel. This can significantly improve your vehicle’s off-road capability.
- Durability: The taller sidewall height of the 33×12.50r20 tires makes them more resistant to damage from rocks and other off-road hazards. This could lead to improved durability in challenging terrain.
- Flotation: The increased width and overall size of the 33×12.50r20 tires will provide better flotation in soft terrains like sand or deep mud. This can help prevent your vehicle from getting stuck in these conditions.
275/55r20 vs 33×12.50r20 Table
This table compares the key features of the tire sizes 275/55R20 and 33×12.50R20.
| Feature | 275/55R20 | 33×12.50R20 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter inches (mm) | 31.91 (810.5) | 33.02 (838.72) | 1.11 (28.22) +3.5% |
| Width inches (mm) | 10.83 (275) | 12.52 (318) | 1.69 (43) +15.6% |
| Circumference inches (mm) | 100.25 (2546.26) | 103.74 (2634.92) | 3.49 (88.66) +3.5% |
| Sidewall Height inches (mm) | 5.95 (151.25) | 6.51 (165.36) | 0.56 (14.11) +9.3% |
| Revolutions per mile (km) | 632.04 (392.73) | 610.78 (379.52) | -21.27 (-13.21) -3.4% |
| Speedo Reading | 20 mph | 20.7 mph | +0.7 mph |
What is the Difference Between 275/55r20 and 33×12.50r20?
The main differences between 275/55r20 and 33×12.50r20 tires are in their dimensions. The 33×12.50r20 is larger overall, with a diameter of 33.02 inches compared to 31.91 inches for the 275/55r20.
The 33×12.50r20 is also significantly wider at 12.52 inches versus 10.83 inches for the 275/55r20. Additionally, the 33×12.50r20 has a taller sidewall and makes fewer revolutions per mile.
Can I Use 33×12.50r20 Instead of 275/55r20?
While it’s possible to use 33×12.50r20 instead of 275/55r20, it’s not typically recommended without making necessary adaptations.
The difference in diameter between these two tire sizes is 3.5%, which slightly exceeds the generally accepted 3% threshold for tire replacement.
This size difference could affect vehicle performance, safety, and accuracy of speedometer and odometer readings, potentially requiring vehicle modifications.
How Much Taller Is a 33×12.50r20 Tire Than a 275/55r20?
A 33×12.50r20 tire is 1.11 inches (28.22 mm) taller than a 275/55r20 tire. The 33×12.50r20 has a diameter of 33.02 inches (838.72 mm), while the 275/55r20 has a diameter of 31.91 inches (810.5 mm). This represents a 3.5% difference in height.
How Much Wider is a 33×12.50r20 Tire Than a 275/55r20?
A 33×12.50r20 tire is 1.69 inches (43 mm) wider than a 275/55r20 tire. The 33×12.50r20 has a width of 12.52 inches (318 mm), while the 275/55r20 has a width of 10.83 inches (275 mm). This represents a 15.6% difference in width.
Our Observation
Switching from 275/55r20 to 33×12.50r20 tires offers a mix of benefits and challenges. On-road, you may experience reduced fuel efficiency and speedometer inaccuracy, but gain a softer ride and improved dry traction.
Off-road, the benefits are more pronounced, with increased ground clearance, better traction, and improved durability. The 3.5% size difference slightly exceeds recommended guidelines, so this switch may require vehicle modifications.
The impact is significant for both on-road and off-road use, with off-road performance seeing the most substantial improvements. Drivers should carefully consider their primary usage and be prepared for potential modifications to accommodate these larger tires.
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.
