Tire Size 285/75r18 vs 35×12.5r18
Are you considering upgrading your 285/75R18 tires to a larger 35×12.5R18 size? While the difference may seem small, it’s important to understand the implications before making the switch.
- Slightly increased ground clearance for better off-road capability
- Aggressive aesthetic appeal preferred by many off-road enthusiasts
- Minimally reduced ride comfort due to stiffer, wider tires
- Slight decrease in fuel efficiency from higher rolling resistance
Fitment Guide
The new set should be within 3% of the original tire’s overall diameter. In this case, the difference in diameter between the 285/75R18 and 35×12.5R18 tires is only 0.6%, which falls within the acceptable range.
This means that switching from 285/75R18 to 35×12.5R18 tires is feasible without requiring major modifications to your vehicle.
On-Road Impact
Switching to a wider tire can have both positive and negative effects on your vehicle’s on-road performance. Let’s take a closer look:
- Traction: The wider 35×12.5R18 tires provide a larger contact patch with the road, resulting in improved traction, especially in dry conditions. This can enhance handling and cornering stability.
- Ride Comfort: The increased width of the 35×12.5R18 tires may slightly reduce ride comfort due to the stiffer sidewalls. However, the difference is minimal and may not be noticeable to most drivers.
- Fuel Efficiency: The wider tires have a higher rolling resistance, which can lead to a slight decrease in fuel efficiency. However, the impact is minimal, with the difference in revolutions per mile being only -0.6%.
- Speedometer Accuracy: The speedometer reading will be minimally affected, with a 20 mph (32.19 km/h) reading on the speedometer equating to an actual speed of 20.11 mph (32.37 km/h). This difference is negligible and should not cause any significant issues.
Off-Road Impact
If you’re an off-road enthusiast, switching to 35×12.5R18 tires can provide several benefits:
- Ground Clearance: The slightly taller 35×12.5R18 tires offer a modest increase in ground clearance (0.2 inches or 4.98 mm), which can help navigate over obstacles and uneven terrain.
- Traction: The wider tires provide a larger contact area with the ground, enhancing traction in loose or slippery conditions such as sand, mud, or gravel.
- Durability: The 35×12.5R18 tires typically feature a more robust construction with thicker sidewalls, making them more resistant to punctures and damage when tackling rough terrain.
- Aesthetics: Many off-road enthusiasts prefer the aggressive look of wider tires, and the 35×12.5R18 size certainly delivers in this aspect.
285/75r18 vs 35×12.5r18
This table highlights the key differences between these two sizes.
| Feature | 285/75R18 | 35×12.5R18 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter inches (mm) | 34.83 (884.7) | 35.03 (889.68) | 0.2 (4.98) +0.6% |
| Width inches (mm) | 11.22 (285) | 12.52 (318) | 1.3 (33) +11.6% |
| Circumference inches (mm) | 109.42 (2779.37) | 110.04 (2795.01) | 0.62 (15.65) +0.6% |
| Sidewall Height inches (mm) | 8.42 (213.75) | 8.51 (216.24) | 0.1 (2.49) +1.2% |
| Revolutions per mile (km) | 579.03 (359.79) | 575.79 (357.78) | -3.24 (-2.01) -0.6% |
| Speedo Reading | 20 mph | 20.11 mph | +0.11 mph |
What is the Main Difference Between 285/75r18 and 35×12.5r18 Tires?
The main difference between 285/75r18 and 35×12.5r18 tires is in their width. The 35×12.5r18 tires are 1.3 inches (33 mm) wider than the 285/75r18 tires.
This increase in width can provide enhanced stability and traction, especially in off-road conditions, while the 285/75r18 tires are slightly narrower, which can offer a smoother ride on highways.
Can I Use 35×12.5r18 Tires Instead of 285/75r18?
Yes, you can use 35×12.5r18 tires instead of 285/75r18, as the overall diameter difference between these two sizes is within the acceptable 3% range for tire changes.
This means there should be no significant impact on performance or safety, though the wider 35×12.5r18 tires may affect fuel efficiency slightly due to increased rolling resistance.
How Much Taller is a 35×12.5r18 Tire Than a 285/75r18?
A 35×12.5r18 tire is approximately 0.2 inches (4.98 mm) taller than a 285/75r18 tire. While this difference is minimal, it can provide a small increase in ground clearance, which may be beneficial for off-road driving, although most drivers will not notice a significant change in performance.
How Much Wider is a 35×12.5r18 Tire Than a 285/75r18?
The 35×12.5r18 tire is 1.3 inches (33 mm) wider than the 285/75r18 tire. This added width gives the vehicle a broader footprint on the road, which can improve traction and stability, particularly in off-road environments or on uneven terrain.
However, it may also slightly increase rolling resistance, potentially impacting fuel efficiency.
Our Observation
After analyzing the differences between 285/75R18 and 35×12.5R18 tires, we’ve concluded that switching to the larger size offers several benefits, particularly for off-road use.
The wider tires provide improved traction, increased ground clearance, and enhanced durability. On the road, the differences in performance and comfort are minimal and should not deter most drivers from making the switch.
However, it’s essential to consider the slight decrease in fuel efficiency and the potential impact on ride comfort before finalizing your decision.
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.
