Tire Size 195/65r15 vs 195/60r15
Are you considering switching from 195/65R15 to 195/60R15 tires? While both sizes are similar, there are some key differences to keep in mind. Here are the top 5 key points of switching from 195/65R15 to 195/60R15 tires
- Slightly firmer ride due to shorter sidewall height
- Quicker steering response and improved handling during cornering
- Minor speedometer inaccuracy, reading slower than actual speed
- Potential for a small improvement in fuel efficiency
- Reduced ground clearance and sidewall durability for off-road use
Fitment Guide
It’s crucial to ensure that the new tires are within a 3% range of the original tire’s overall diameter. In this case, the diameter difference between 195/65R15 and 195/60R15 tires is 3.2%, slightly exceeding the recommended range.
While it is possible to make this switch, it may require some adaptations to prevent issues such as rubbing or clearance problems.
On-Road Impact
Switching to 195/60R15 tires can have several effects on your vehicle’s on-road performance. Let’s explore some of the key areas:
- Ride Comfort: Due to the shorter sidewall, 195/60R15 tires may provide a slightly firmer ride compared to 195/65R15 tires. This can be especially noticeable on rough or uneven road surfaces.
- Handling: The shorter sidewall of 195/60R15 tires can result in a quicker steering response and improved handling, particularly during cornering and sudden maneuvers.
- Speedometer Accuracy: The 3.2% difference in tire diameter can affect your speedometer readings. With 195/60R15 tires, your speedometer may indicate a slightly slower speed than your actual speed. At 20 mph (32.19 km/h), your actual speed would be 20.63 mph (33.21 km/h).
- Fuel Efficiency: The smaller overall diameter of 195/60R15 tires can lead to a minor improvement in fuel efficiency, as the engine will need to work slightly less to rotate the tires.
Off-Road Impact
If you plan to take your vehicle off-road, consider the following aspects when switching to 195/60R15 tires:
- Ground Clearance: The shorter sidewall of 195/60R15 tires will slightly reduce your vehicle’s ground clearance by approximately 0.38 inches (9.75 mm). While this difference is relatively small, it may be noticeable when navigating over obstacles or uneven terrain.
- Tire Durability: Off-road conditions can be challenging for tires. The shorter sidewall of 195/60R15 tires may be more susceptible to damage from rocks, roots, and other debris compared to the taller sidewall of 195/65R15 tires.
What is the Difference Between 195/60r15 and 195/65r15?
The main difference between 195/60R15 and 195/65R15 tires lies in their sidewall height. The 195/65R15 tire has a taller sidewall, measuring 4.99 inches (126.75 mm), while the 195/60R15 tire has a shorter sidewall at 4.61 inches (117 mm).
This difference in sidewall height results in the 195/65R15 tire having a larger overall diameter of 24.98 inches (634.5 mm) compared to the 195/60R15 tire, which has a diameter of 24.21 inches (615 mm).
Can I Use 195/65r15 Instead of 195/60r15?
It is not recommended to use 195/65R15 tires instead of 195/60R15 tires. The overall diameter difference between these two sizes is approximately 0.77 inches (19.5 mm) or 3.2%, which exceeds the generally accepted limit of 3%.
Using tires with a diameter difference greater than 3% can adversely affect vehicle handling, speedometer accuracy, fuel efficiency, and overall performance. It is always best to use the tire size specified by your vehicle manufacturer.
How Much Taller Is a 195/65r15 Tire Than a 195/60r15?
A 195/65R15 tire is 0.77 inches (19.5 mm) taller than a 195/60R15 tire. This difference is due to the taller sidewall of the 195/65R15 tire, which measures 4.99 inches (126.75 mm) compared to the 4.61-inch (117 mm) sidewall of the 195/60R15 tire.
Our Observations
After analyzing the differences between 195/65R15 and 195/60R15 tires, we believe that the impact of switching between these sizes is relatively minor for most drivers.
The 3.2% difference in overall diameter falls just outside the recommended 3% range, but the effects on ride comfort, handling, speedometer accuracy, and fuel efficiency are likely to be negligible for the average driver.
However, if you frequently take your vehicle off-road, the shorter sidewall of 195/60R15 tires may be more susceptible to damage and slightly reduce your ground clearance. In such cases, sticking with 195/65R15 tires might be the better choice.
Ultimately, the decision to switch from 195/65R15 to 195/60R15 tires depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider your driving habits, vehicle type, and the potential trade-offs before making a decision.
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.