Tire Size 185/65r15 vs 195/65r15
Changing from 185/65R15 to 195/65R15 tires is a common upgrade that can provide better handling, stability, and a more aggressive look to your vehicle. However, it’s crucial to understand the differences between these tire sizes and how they may affect your car’s performance, both on and off the road.
185/65r15 vs 195/65r15 Table
The main difference between tire size 185/65r15 and 195/65r15 is the width, with the 195 being 10mm wider. This impacts various performance factors.
Fitment Guide
The 195/65r15 tire is 5.4% wider and 2.1% larger in diameter than the 185/65r15. This is within the 3% limit for direct replacement without modifications.
However, the wider 195 may rub on narrower rims or require minor fender adjustments. Overall, the 195 should fit most vehicles designed for the 185.
On-Road Impact
Switching to wider 195/65R15 tires can have several effects on your vehicle’s on-road performance. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key aspects:
- Handling and Stability: The wider tires provide a larger contact patch with the road, which can lead to improved handling and stability, especially during cornering and in wet conditions. The increased width also helps to distribute the vehicle’s weight more evenly, reducing the load on individual tires and potentially improving overall grip.
- Ride Comfort: The wider tires may slightly affect ride comfort, as they have a shorter sidewall height compared to the 185/65R15 tires. This reduction in sidewall height can lead to a firmer ride, as the tires have less cushioning to absorb bumps and vibrations. However, the difference in sidewall height is only 0.26 inches (6.5mm), so the impact on ride comfort may be minimal.
- Fuel Efficiency: The wider tires may slightly impact fuel efficiency due to increased rolling resistance. The larger contact patch with the road means more friction, which can lead to a minor reduction in gas mileage. However, the difference in fuel consumption may be negligible for most drivers.
- Speedometer Accuracy: The speedometer reading may be slightly affected by the change in tire size. With 195/65R15 tires, your speedometer will indicate a speed that is approximately 0.42 mph (0.67 km/h) slower than your actual speed at 20 mph (32.19 km/h). This difference is minor and should not cause any significant issues.
Off-Road Impact
If you occasionally take your vehicle off-road, switching to 195/65R15 tires can have some effects on your off-road performance:
- Ground Clearance: The wider tires may slightly increase your vehicle’s ground clearance, as they have a taller overall diameter. The difference in diameter between 185/65R15 and 195/65R15 tires is 0.51 inches (13mm), which can provide a small boost in ground clearance. This can be beneficial when navigating rough terrain or obstacles.
- Traction: The wider tires can provide better traction off-road, especially in loose or slippery conditions. The larger contact patch helps to distribute the vehicle’s weight more evenly, improving overall grip and reducing the risk of getting stuck.
- Durability: Wider tires may be more resistant to punctures and damage when driving off-road, as they have a larger air volume and can better absorb impacts from rocks, roots, and other debris. However, the difference in durability between 185/65R15 and 195/65R15 tires may be minimal, and the specific tire design and construction will play a more significant role in overall durability.
What is the Difference Between 185/65R15 and 195/65R15?
The main difference between 185/65R15 and 195/65R15 tires is the width. The 195/65R15 tire is 10mm (0.39 inches) wider than the 185/65R15 tire.
This increased width provides a larger contact patch with the road, which can lead to improved traction, handling, and stability.
Can I Use 195/65R15 Instead of 185/65R15?
Yes, you can use 195/65R15 tires instead of 185/65R15 tires. The overall diameter difference between these two sizes is approximately 0.51 inches (13mm) or 2.1%, which falls within the acceptable range of 3%.
This means that switching from 185/65R15 to 195/65R15 tires should not cause any significant issues with vehicle handling, speedometer accuracy, or clearance.
How Much Taller Is a 195/65R15 Tire Than a 185/65R15?
A 195/65R15 tire is approximately 0.51 inches (13mm) taller than a 185/65R15 tire. The overall diameter of the 185/65R15 tire is 24.47 inches (621.5mm), while the 195/65R15 tire has a diameter of 24.98 inches (634.5mm).
This difference in height is a result of the increased width and sidewall height of the 195/65R15 tire.
How Much Wider is a 195/65R15 Tire Than a 185/65R15?
A 195/65R15 tire is 0.39 inches (10mm) wider than a 185/65R15 tire. The width of the 185/65R15 tire is 7.28 inches (185mm), while the width of the 195/65R15 tire is 7.68 inches (195mm).
This difference in width is the primary distinction between these two tire sizes and contributes to the changes in overall diameter, circumference, and sidewall height.
Our Observations
After analyzing the differences between 185/65R15 and 195/65R15 tires, we believe that switching to the wider tires can provide several benefits, both on and off the road.
The improved handling, stability, and traction can make for a more enjoyable and safer driving experience, especially in challenging conditions.
However, it’s essential to keep in mind that the differences in ride comfort, fuel efficiency, and speedometer accuracy may be noticeable but not drastic.
Overall, if you’re looking for a relatively easy upgrade that can enhance your vehicle’s performance and appearance, switching from 185/65R15 to 195/65R15 tires is a worthwhile consideration.
Meet Caitlin McCormack, a Tire Size Expert and Blogger Passionate About Everything Related to Tires. With Years of Experience in the Tire Industry, Caitlin Has Become an Expert in Tire Sizes and Their Impact on Vehicle Performance.