Tire Size 215/85r16 vs 225/75r16
Considering switching your 215/85r16 tires for 225/75r16? Before you make the swap, let’s explore the key differences and potential impact on your vehicle’s performance.
- Switching may require adaptations to prevent rubbing or clearance issues
- Ground clearance reduced by 0.55 inches with 225/75r16 tires
- Minor decrease in fuel efficiency due to 3.8% more revolutions per mile
- Wider tires provide sportier appearance but may result in firmer ride
215/85r16 vs 225/75r16
Fitment Guide
In this case, the 225/75r16 tires are 3.6% smaller than the 215/85r16, exceeding the recommended range. Switching to these tires may require adaptations to prevent rubbing or clearance issues.
On-Road Impact
Changing tire sizes can affect various aspects of your vehicle’s on-road performance. Let’s dive into the potential consequences of switching from 215/85r16 to 225/75r16 tires.
Ground Clearance
The smaller diameter of the 225/75r16 tires will slightly reduce your vehicle’s ground clearance by about 0.55 inches (14 mm). While this difference may seem negligible, it could impact your ability to navigate rough terrain or clear obstacles.
Gas Mileage
The 225/75r16 tires will have approximately 3.8% more revolutions per mile compared to the 215/85r16 tires.
This means your engine will need to work slightly harder to maintain the same speed, potentially leading to a minor decrease in fuel efficiency.
Aesthetics
The 225/75r16 tires are 0.39 inches (10 mm) wider than the 215/85r16 tires. This increased width can give your vehicle a more aggressive stance and improved appearance, depending on your personal preferences.
Ride Comfort
The smaller sidewall height of the 225/75r16 tires (0.55 inches or 14 mm shorter than the 215/85r16) may result in a slightly firmer ride.
The reduced tire flex could lead to more vibrations being transferred to the cabin, especially on rough roads.
Speedometer Accuracy
Due to the smaller overall diameter, your vehicle’s speedometer will read about 3.6% higher than your actual speed when using 225/75r16 tires.
For example, when your speedometer reads 60 mph (96.56 km/h), your actual speed would be around 57.84 mph (93.08 km/h).
Off-Road Impact
If you frequently take your vehicle off-road, switching from 215/85r16 to 225/75r16 tires can have some implications. Here’s what you should consider:
Traction
The wider 225/75r16 tires may provide better traction on loose surfaces like sand or mud due to the increased contact patch. However, the smaller overall diameter could reduce your ability to navigate over larger obstacles.
Durability
The shorter sidewall of the 225/75r16 tires may make them more susceptible to damage from rocks, roots, and other off-road hazards. The reduced tire flex could also lead to a harsher ride on uneven terrain.
Gearing
The 3.6% difference in overall diameter will slightly alter your vehicle’s gearing. This means your engine’s RPM will be higher at any given speed, which could affect your off-road crawling ability and overall performance.
What is the Main Difference Between 215/85r16 and 225/75r16?
The main difference between 215/85r16 and 225/75r16 tires is the overall diameter. The 225/75r16 tires are about 1.1 inches (28 mm) or 3.6% smaller than the 215/85r16 tires.
Can I Use 225/75r16 Instead of 215/85r16?
While you can physically mount 225/75r16 tires on a vehicle that originally had 215/85r16 tires, it’s not recommended. The 3.6% difference in overall diameter exceeds the suggested 3% range and may cause issues.
How Much Taller Is a 215/85r16 Tire Than a 225/75r16?
A 215/85r16 tire is approximately 1.1 inches (28 mm) taller than a 225/75r16 tire. This represents a 3.6% difference in overall diameter between the two tire sizes.
How Much Wider is a 225/75r16 Tire Than a 215/85r16?
A 225/75r16 tire is 0.39 inches (10 mm) wider than a 215/85r16 tire. The width of the 225/75r16 is 8.86 inches (225 mm), while the 215/85r16 has a width of 8.46 inches (215 mm).
Our Observations
After analyzing the differences between 215/85r16 and 225/75r16 tires, we’ve concluded that switching to the smaller 225/75r16 size may not be ideal for most situations. The 3.6% difference in overall diameter exceeds the recommended 3% range, which could lead to rubbing or clearance issues.
While the wider 225/75r16 tires may provide a sportier appearance and slightly better traction on loose surfaces, the reduced sidewall height could negatively impact ride comfort and off-road durability.
Additionally, the smaller overall diameter will affect your speedometer accuracy and may slightly reduce fuel efficiency. For most drivers, sticking with the original 215/85r16 tire size is likely the best option to maintain optimal performance and avoid potential issues.
However, if you still want to make the switch, be prepared to make necessary adjustments to your vehicle and keep in mind the potential trade-offs in terms of on-road and off-road performance.
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.