185 vs 205 Tires
The difference between 185 and 205 tires is the width of the tire tread in millimeters. The 205 tire size is 20mm wider than the 185 tire size. The choice between a 185 and 205 tire will depend on various factors, including the vehicle’s size, weight, performance requirements, driving conditions, and personal preferences.
185 Vs 205 Tires
It’s important to thoroughly understand the various tire sizes available and how they can affect a vehicle’s performance.
| 185 Tire Size | 205 Tire Size |
|---|---|
| Offers a more comfortable ride | Offers better handling performance |
| Usually cheaper | More attractive appearance for those who prioritize aesthetics |
| Provides better traction in snow, rain, and slush | Better choice for carrying heavier loads |
| Results in better fuel economy | Offers maximum traction on dry roads |
| Recommended rim width range: 5 to 6 inches | Recommended rim width range: 5.5 to 7.5 inches |
| 20 millimeters smaller | 20 millimeters larger |
| Can be used as a replacement for 205 tires | 185 tires can be replaced with 205 tires |
Fuel Economy
Tire size can have an impact on fuel economy, but the effect is relatively small. In general, wider tires have a slightly lower fuel economy than narrower tires because they have a larger contact patch with the road surface, which increases rolling resistance.
Assuming both the 185 and 205 tire sizes have the same tread pattern and depth, the 185 tire size would likely have a slight advantage in fuel economy compared to the 205 tire size. The narrower tire would have a minor contact patch with the road surface, resulting in slightly less rolling resistance and better fuel economy.
However, it’s important to note that tire size is just one of many factors that can affect fuel economy. Other factors, such as vehicle weight, driving style, and road conditions, can significantly impact fuel economy.
Handling
The tire with a width of 205mm is wider than a tire with a width of 185mm. This wider tire will have a larger contact patch with the road, which can provide better traction and grip during acceleration, cornering, and braking. This can lead to improved handling and stability, particularly in dry conditions.
On the other hand, a narrower tire with a width of 185mm may provide better fuel efficiency and less rolling resistance, which can result in a smoother and more comfortable ride. However, it may offer a different level of grip and stability than a wider tire, particularly in wet or slippery conditions.
Ground Clearance
Changing the tire size can affect ground clearance, it’s important to note that the difference in ground clearance between two tire sizes (such as 185 and 205) will generally be minimal. The difference in overall diameter between these two tire sizes is typically less than an inch, which will not significantly affect the vehicle’s ground clearance.
Checking the ground clearance is an important step when replacing tires, as it can help ensure that the new tires will fit properly and not cause any issues with the vehicle’s suspension or other components.
Speedometer Reading
If you change the tire size from 185 to 205, the larger tire (205) will have a larger diameter than the smaller tire (185). This means that if you install the larger 205 tires, your vehicle will travel a slightly longer distance with each tire revolution compared to the 185 tires. As a result, the speedometer will display a slightly lower speed than the actual speed when using the 205 tires.
Conversely, if you install the smaller 185 tires, your vehicle will travel a slightly shorter distance with each revolution of the tire compared to the 205 tires. As a result, the speedometer will display a slightly higher speed than the actual speed when using the 185 tires.
What Does 185 Mean On A Tire?
The number “185” on a tire refers to the tire’s width in millimeters. Specifically, it indicates the tire’s section width, which is the measurement from one sidewall to the other sidewall at the tire’s widest point when it’s mounted on a rim and inflated to the recommended pressure.
For example, if you see the size code “185/65R15” on a tire, the “185” refers to the tire’s width in millimeters. In this case, the tire is 185 millimeters wide from sidewall to sidewall.
How Much Wider Is A 205 Tire Than A 185?
The 205 tire is 20 millimeters wider than the 185 tires. This measurement refers to the width of the tire in millimeters and is typically listed as the first number in a tire’s size code.
For example, in the size code “185/65r15” for a tire, the “185” refers to the tire’s width in millimeters. Similarly, in the size code “205/55r16”, the “205” refers to the tire’s width in millimeters. So, if you compare a 185 tire to a 205 tire, you’ll see that the 205 tire is 20 millimeters wider than the 185 tires.
How Much Taller Is A 205Tire Than A 185?
The overall diameter of a tire depends not only on its width but also on its aspect ratio and wheel size. The aspect ratio is the height of the tire’s sidewall as a percentage of the tire’s width. The wheel size is the diameter of the wheel that the tire is designed to fit on.
Therefore, it’s difficult to give a specific answer to how much taller a 205 tire is compared to a 185 tire without knowing the aspect ratio and wheel size of the specific tires in question.
However, as a general rule of thumb, assuming that both tires have the same aspect ratio and wheel size, a 205 tire will be about 22 mm taller than a 185 tire. Let’s assume that both the 185 and 205 tires have an aspect ratio of 55 and a rim diameter of 15 inches.
In this scenario, the overall diameter of the 185 tire would be approximately 609.9 millimeters, while the overall diameter of the 205 tire would be slightly larger at around 631.9 millimeters. Therefore, the 205 tire would be about 22 millimeters taller than the 185 tire.
Can I Replace 185 Tires With 205?
If you’re looking to replace a 185 tire with a 205 tire, you may wonder whether it’s possible without encountering any problems. In general, it is possible to use a 185 tire as a replacement for a 205 tire as long as certain conditions are met.
One of the most important factors to consider is the rim width. The recommended rim width range for 185 tire sizes is between 5 and 6 inches. For 205 tire sizes, the recommended rim width range is slightly wider, between 6 and 7.5 inches.
If the rim width of your vehicle falls within the recommended range for the 205 tires you’re considering, you should be able to use them as a replacement for the 185 tires. In fact, there is some overlapping in the rim width range, which means you may be able to use either size depending on your vehicle and driving needs.
