Tire Size 285/65r20 vs 33×12.50r20
Thinking about swapping your 285/65R20 tires for 33×12.50R20? This change might seem tempting, but it’s not as simple as it looks. Let’s break down what this switch means for your ride, both on and off the road.
- Overall diameter decreases by 1.57 inches leading to lower ground clearance
- Tire width increases by 1.3 inches improving traction and flotation
- Sidewall height reduces by 0.78 inches potentially affecting ride comfort
- Revolutions per mile increase by 27.66 affecting speedometer accuracy
- Tire circumference decreases by 4.92 inches impacting overall performance
285/65r20 vs 33×12.50r20 Table
The 33×12.50R20 is 1.57 inches (39.78 mm) smaller in diameter than the 285/65R20.
Fitment Guide
When considering a tire change, it’s crucial to stay within the 3% diameter difference rule. The switch from 285/65R20 to 33×12.50R20 results in a 4.5% decrease, exceeding this guideline.
This means the interchange is not recommended without making necessary adaptations to your vehicle.
On-Road Impact
Changing your tires can significantly affect your daily driving experience. Let’s explore how this swap might impact your on-road performance.
- Speedometer Accuracy: With the smaller diameter of the 33×12.50R20, your speedometer will become inaccurate. At a displayed speed of 20 mph, you’ll actually be traveling at 19.09 mph. This discrepancy increases at higher speeds, potentially leading to unintended speeding.
- Fuel Efficiency: The wider 33×12.50R20 tires (12.52 inches vs. 11.22 inches) create more rolling resistance and air drag. This can result in reduced fuel efficiency, hitting your wallet at the pump.
- Ride Comfort: The lower sidewall height of the 33×12.50R20 (6.51 inches vs. 7.29 inches) might lead to a firmer ride. You may feel more road imperfections and bumps, especially on rough surfaces.
- Handling: The wider tread of the 33×12.50R20 can improve dry road traction. However, the altered geometry might affect your vehicle’s handling characteristics, potentially requiring some adjustment to your driving style.
Off-Road Impact
For the adventure seekers, tire choice can make or break your off-road experience. Here’s how the switch might affect your off-road capabilities.
- Ground Clearance: Despite the smaller overall diameter, the wider profile of the 33×12.50R20 can provide better obstacle clearance at the tire’s edges. This can be beneficial when navigating over rocks or through ruts.
- Traction: The wider footprint of the 33×12.50R20 offers more surface area contact with the ground. This can translate to improved grip in loose terrain like sand or mud.
- Flotation: The increased width of the 33×12.50R20 provides better flotation on soft surfaces. This can be advantageous in scenarios like deep sand or snow.
- Durability: Off-road driving puts extra stress on tires. The 33×12.50R20, designed with off-road use in mind, may offer better puncture resistance and overall toughness compared to the 285/65R20.
What is the Difference Between 285/65r20 and 33×12.50r20?
The main differences between 285/65r20 and 33×12.50r20 tires are in their diameter, width, and overall dimensions. The 285/65r20 has a larger diameter of 34.59 inches, while the 33×12.50r20 has a diameter of 33.02 inches.
The 33×12.50r20 is wider at 12.52 inches compared to the 285/65r20 at 11.22 inches. These differences affect various aspects of vehicle performance and handling.
Can I Use 33×12.50r20 Instead of 285/65r20?
Using a 33×12.50r20 instead of a 285/65r20 is not recommended without making necessary adaptations to your vehicle. The diameter difference between these tire sizes is 4.5%, which exceeds the typically recommended limit of 3%.
This change could affect your vehicle’s performance, safety, and may require modifications to prevent rubbing or clearance issues.
How Much Taller Is a 285/65r20 Tire Than a 33×12.50r20?
The 285/65r20 tire is 1.57 inches (39.78 mm) taller than the 33×12.50r20 tire. The 285/65r20 has a diameter of 34.59 inches (878.5 mm), while the 33×12.50r20 has a diameter of 33.02 inches (838.72 mm). This represents a 4.5% difference in height between the two tire sizes.
How Much Wider is a 33×12.50r20 Tire Than a 285/65r20?
The 33×12.50r20 tire is 1.3 inches (33 mm) wider than the 285/65r20 tire. The 33×12.50r20 has a width of 12.52 inches (318 mm), while the 285/65r20 has a width of 11.22 inches (285 mm).
This represents an 11.6% increase in width from the 285/65r20 to the 33×12.50r20 tire.
Our Observation
Switching from 285/65R20 to 33×12.50R20 tires offers a mix of benefits and drawbacks. On the road, you might notice reduced fuel efficiency and a slightly harsher ride, but gain improved dry traction.
The speedometer inaccuracy, while present, is relatively minor and can be adapted to with practice. Off-road, the wider profile enhances traction and flotation, potentially improving your vehicle’s capability in challenging terrain.
However, the diameter reduction might slightly decrease your overall ground clearance. The aesthetic change is noticeable, giving your vehicle a more aggressive look.
While the differences in performance are real, many drivers find them manageable, especially if off-road performance is a priority. Ultimately, the decision depends on your driving habits.
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.
