Tire Size 215/55r17 in inches

Tire size is an integral aspect of vehicle performance and safety, with the tire size 215/55r17 being one of the popular choices for modern vehicles. Understanding the specifics of this tire size is crucial to harness its full potential, and this article intends to shed light on the dimensions and specifications of the 215/55r17 tire.

215/55r17 in inches

The comprehensive information presented in the following table helps to comprehend the breakdown of tire features and metrics.

Feature	Metric	Inches
Tire Height	668 mm	26.3″
Tread Width	215 mm	8.5″
Rim Diameter	431.8 mm	17″
Sidewall Height	118 mm	4.6″
Circumference	2097.5 mm	82.6″
Revolutions	477 per km	767 per mile

What Does 215/55r17 Mean?

The 215/55r17 tire size, when broken down into standard measurements, is equivalent to 26.3×8.5R17 in inches. The tire size “215/55rR17” is a standardized code that provides information about the tire’s construction, size, and compatibility. This sequence can be broken down as follows:

• “215”: This is the nominal width of the tire, measured in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall. In this case, the tire is 215 millimeters wide.
• “55”: This is the aspect ratio of the tire, which is the height of the tire’s sidewall expressed as a percentage of the tire’s width. In this case, the height of the sidewall is 55% of the 215 mm width.
• “R”: This letter stands for Radial, indicating the tire’s construction. Radial construction means the tire’s internal ply cords are oriented radially or perpendicular to the direction of travel from one bead to the other. This is currently the most common type of tire construction due to its durability and performance characteristics.
• “17”: This is the wheel diameter that the tire is designed to fit, measured in inches. In this case, the tire is designed to fit on a 17-inch wheel diameter.

So, put together, a 215/55R17 tire is a radial tire with a width of 215mm, a sidewall height that’s 55% of the width and is designed to fit on a 17-inch wheel.

Replacement Tire Size
Ensuring a maximum 3% variance in overall diameter is essential when opting for replacement tires for the 215/55r17 tire size.

Tire Size	Overall Diameter	Difference
215/50R17	25.5″ (648 mm)	-3%
155/70R17	25.6″ (650 mm)	-2.7%
245/45R17	25.7″ (652 mm)	-2.4%
315/35R17	25.7″ (652 mm)	-2.4%
275/40R17	25.7″ (652 mm)	-2.4%
185/60R17	25.7″ (654 mm)	-2.1%
225/50R17	25.9″ (658 mm)	-1.5%
285/40R17	26″ (660 mm)	-1.2%
255/45R17	26.1″ (662 mm)	-0.9%
145/80R17	26.1″ (664 mm)	-0.6%
165/70R17	26.1″ (664 mm)	-0.6%
335/35R17	26.2″ (666 mm)	-0.3%
295/40R17	26.3″ (668 mm)	0%
235/50R17	26.3″ (668 mm)	0%
135/90R17	26.6″ (676 mm)	1.2%
255/50R17	27.1″ (688 mm)	3%

Overall Diameter
The tire has an overall diameter of 668 mm or 26.3 inches, which is the total height of the tire from the ground to the top of the tire when properly inflated and not under load. This is a significant factor in determining the vehicle’s ground clearance and hence the vehicle’s suitability for various road conditions.

Section Width
The tread width of the tire is 215 mm or 8.5 inches. This denotes the width of the tire that comes into contact with the road. A wider tread width generally provides more grip, which is beneficial in wet or slippery conditions, while a narrower tread can improve fuel efficiency.

Rim Size
The rim diameter is another crucial 215/55r17 tire size specification. It is the diameter of the wheel on which the tire is mounted, measured in inches or millimeters. The rim diameter for this tire is 431.8 mm or 17 inches. The rim diameter plays a significant role in the vehicle’s aesthetic appeal and the type of tire that can be installed.

Sidewall Height
The sidewall height, often overlooked but equally important, is the measurement from the rim to the tire’s tread. For the 215/55r17 tire size, the sidewall height is 118 mm or approximately 4.6 inches.  A higher sidewall height allows for better absorption of bumps and shocks, making for a smoother ride, while a lower sidewall height can provide better handling and cornering performance.

Circumference
The circumference of the tire is another vital measurement to consider. It is the distance around the outer edge of the tire, and for the 215/55r17, it stands at 2097.5 mm. This measurement is directly related to the tire’s number of revolutions per mile.

The smaller the circumference, the higher the number of revolutions per mile, and vice versa. The exact number of revolutions per mile for this tire size depends on various factors, including the specific tire design and the load it carries.

Tire Construction
The ‘R’ in 215/55r17 represents the tire construction, which is Radial. Radial tires are the most common type of tires today, known for their durability and efficiency. They have layers of fabric with cords running radially around the tire, providing excellent strength and flexibility.

Our Observation
The tire size 215/55r17 offers a well-rounded blend of comfort, stability, and fuel efficiency. Its overall diameter, tread width, and sidewall height are optimally balanced, providing a stable ride while maintaining a good grip on various road conditions.

The radial construction ensures durability and enhances the tire’s overall performance. With its 17-inch rim diameter, this tire size presents an appealing aesthetic without compromising function.

The circumference of 2097.5 mm translates to a reasonable number of revolutions per mile, contributing to the tire’s efficiency. However, it is crucial to note that these specifications can vary slightly depending on the tire brand and model.

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