175 vs 185 Tires
The primary difference between 175 and 185 tires is the tire’s width. The width of a tire is measured in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall, and a 185 tire will measure 10 mm wider than a 175 tire.
The deal with the 175 and 185 tires is that the 185 tire is actually a bit wider and a tad taller than the 175 one. The difference between 175 and 185 may seem like little, but it can significantly impact your driving experience. There are advantages to both sizes, so which one is right for you?
185 vs 175 Table
In this table, we can get the details about how those tires are difference from one another.
| 175 Tire Size | 185 Tire Size |
|---|---|
| More comfortable ride | Maximum dry road traction |
| Generally less expensive | Better handling performance |
| Better traction in snow, rain, slush | Suitable for heavier loads |
| Improved fuel economy | More aesthetically pleasing |
| Recommended rim width: 5-6 inches | Recommended rim width: 5-6 inches |
| The 175 tire size is 10mm smaller than 185 tire size | The 185 tire size is 10mm larger than 175 tire size |
| Can replace 185 tire due to similar rim width range | Can replace 175 tire due to similar rim width range |
Ride Comfort
Choosing narrower tires, such as the 175 size, can indeed result in a smoother and more comfortable ride. These tires typically feature a higher sidewall ratio, which creates additional space between the wheel and the road.
This added cushioning effectively absorbs bumps and road imperfections, contributing to a smoother driving experience. In addition to enhancing ride comfort, this extra absorption can also lessen the impact of road irregularities on your vehicle, potentially reducing wear and tear.
Wet & Snow Traction
The 175 tires can indeed provide better traction in adverse weather conditions due to their higher pressure per square inch (PSI) rating. The narrower design allows these tires to penetrate snow, slush, and rain more effectively than 185 tires.
While a wider contact patch found on 185 tires may offer superior dry traction, it hinders the tire’s ability to slice through snow and contact the ground beneath, making 175 tires a more suitable choice for challenging weather conditions.
Price
In general, 175 tires are cheaper than 185 tires, although the price difference can vary depending on the brand, model, and other factors. The cost of tires is influenced by several factors, such as the material used, the tread pattern, the brand reputation, and the size.
Since 185 tires are wider than 175 tires, they require more materials to produce, which could make them more expensive. However, the difference in price between the two sizes is typically insignificant.
Fuel Economy
The 175 tires generally offer better fuel economy compared to the 185 tires. The narrower profile of 175 tires results in a smaller contact patch with the road, which reduces rolling resistance. Lower rolling resistance means the engine doesn’t have to work as hard to move the vehicle, leading to improved fuel efficiency.
Additionally, the narrower design of 175 tires can provide better aerodynamics, further contributing to better fuel economy. However, it’s essential to consider other factors like traction, handling, and ride comfort when choosing between 175 and 185 tire sizes for your vehicle.
Dry Traction
The 185 tires generally provide better traction on dry roads compared to the 175 tires. The key factor behind this advantage is the wider contact patch of 185 tires, allowing more rubber to grip the road surface.
This increased grip leads to improved stability and handling, particularly during cornering and acceleration. However, when choosing between 175 and 185 tire sizes for your vehicle, it’s essential to consider other factors such as fuel efficiency, wet weather performance, and ride comfort.
Handling
Regarding handling and direction changes, a 185 tire offers enhanced traction that allows for better steering capabilities. A key factor in maintaining stability and balance during cornering is weight transfer, and this is where 185 tires excel, thanks to their larger contact patch. Overall, the 185 tire provides superior traction and handling, making it suitable for those prioritizing performance.
Are 175 And 185 Tires Interchangeable?
The interchangeability of 175 and 185 tires would depend on the rim width range recommended for each tire size. Tires are designed to be mounted on rims with specific widths to ensure optimal performance, safety, and durability.
For example, the recommended rim range for 175 tire size is 5.0-6.0 inches wide, and the recommended rim width range for 185 tire size is also 5.0-6.0 inches. Both rims ranges overlapping, which means 175 and 185 tires are interchangeable.
What Does 175 Mean On A Tire?
The first number in the series typically represents the tire’s width in millimeters. For example, in the case of 175, this number refers to the width of the tire from sidewall to sidewall. Therefore, a tire with a width of 175 millimeters is more comprehensive than a tire with a width of 155 millimeters.
How Much Wider Is A 185 Tire Than A 175?
The numbers in tire size, such as 175 and 185, represent the width of the tire in millimeters. So, a 175 tire has a width of 175 millimeters, while a 185 tire has a width of 185 millimeters. Therefore, the difference in width between a 185 tire and a 175 tire is 10 millimeters.
How Much Taller Is A 185 Tire Than A 175?
The numbers 175 and 185 refer to the width of the tire in millimeters. While the height of the tire depends on other factors such as the aspect ratio, the load index, and the rim size. Assuming both tires have the same aspect ratio and rim size, the difference in width between the two tires will only have a minimal effect on the overall diameter.
However, if we assume that both tires have the same aspect ratio of 65, the overall diameter of a 175/65r15 tire would be approximately 608.5 mm, while the overall diameter of a 185/65r15 tire would be approximately 621.5 mm. Therefore, the 185 tires would be around 0.51 inches or 13 mm taller than the 175 tires.
