Tire Size 255/60r15 vs 275/60r15
The section width is what sets apart 275/60r15 and 255/60r15 tires. Specifically, the 275/60r15 tire size is approximately 0.94 inches wider than the 255/60r15 tire size. This difference in width can affect the tire’s handling precision, traction, and aesthetics.
| / | R |
| / | R |
| Parameter | 235/35 R18 | 205/40 R18 | Differ. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tire Height | |||
| Section Width | |||
| Circumference | |||
| Sidewall Height | |||
| Revolutions | |||
| Rim Size |
Fitment Guide
The overall diameters of the 275/60R15 and 255/60R15 tires differ by 3.5%, which is not within the advisable 3% limit for replacement tires compared to original sizes.
This helps prevent clearance issues or speedometer inaccuracies. The wider 275/60R15 may rub at full turn on certain vehicles, so check fitment specs before installing.
Gas Mileage
With a smaller contact patch and less rotational mass, the narrower 255/60R15 tire confers slightly better fuel efficiency over the wider 275/60R15. This can add up to small but noticeable fuel savings for daily drivers.
Ground Clearance
The 275/60R15 diameter is 0.94 inches larger, providing extra ground clearance beneficial for navigating uneven roads or mild off-road driving.
However, this also causes a lower speedometer reading. The 255/60R15 gives up some clearance, increasing the risks of scrapes, but has a higher speedometer reading.
Ride Comfort
The 275/60R15 additional sidewall height cushions impact slightly better, but both sizes deliver comfortable rides for normal driving. The 255/60R15 may feel marginally harsher over very uneven surfaces.
Aesthetics
Visually, the difference is subtle. The 275/60R15 appears slightly “stretched” due to a taller sidewall.
This suits some truck and SUV styles better than a low-profile look. Subjectively, a taller 70 aspect often aesthetically complements utility vehicles.
Handling & Stability
The shorter sidewall of the 255/60R15 enables crisper handling and quicker turn-in response.
The 275/60R15 extra sidewall flexibility slightly reduces handling precision, but the differences are modest. Both offer responsive, stable handling for everyday driving.
Noise & Vibration
With a shorter, stiffer sidewall, the 255/60R15 transmits marginally more road noise and vibration to the cabin.
The additional flex of the 275/60R15 better absorbs noise and vibration, though differences are minor. Both provide quiet, comfortable rides.
Durability & Wear
The narrower 255/60R15 may potentially exhibit more even treadwear patterns and longer life from lower stress loads.
But durability differences should be minor between these close sizes. Either should deliver many miles of use when maintained properly.
Adverse Conditions
Both sizes perform well overall in rain, light snow, mud, and mild off-road use. The 0.94-inch greater diameter of the 275/60R15 provides a slight traction advantage, while the 255/60R15 may cut through deeper snow more efficiently.
Speedometer Difference
Due to its 3.5% larger diameter, the 275/60R15 causes the speedometer to underread compared to the 255/60R15.
At an actual vehicle speed of 20 mph, the speedometer would read 20.7 mph with 275/60R15 tires equipped but only 20 mph with 255/60R15 tires. This 0.7 mph difference is not highly significant.
Can I Use 275/60r15 Instead of 255/60r15?
No, using 275/60r15 instead of 255/60r15 is not recommended. The diameter difference is 3.5%, exceeding the advised limit of 3%. This variance may affect speedometer accuracy and handling.
How Much Taller Is A 275/60r15 Tire Than A 255/60r15?
The 275/60r15 tire is 0.94 inches (24 mm) taller than the 255/60r15 tire. The height of a tire, measuring directly through the center of the tread from one outer edge to the other across its width, determines how tall the mounted tire will be.
The 275/60r15 tire stands at a height of 27.99 inches (711mm), surpassing the 255/60r15 tire, which measures 27.05 inches (687mm) in height.
How Much Wider Is A 275/60r15 Tire Than A 255/60r15?
The 275/60r15 tire is 0.79 inches (20 mm) wider than the 255/60r15, representing a 7.8% increase in width. This measurement indicates the tire’s width from the inner sidewall to the outer sidewall.
The width of a 275/60r15 tire is 10.83 inches (275mm), while a 255/60r15 tire measures 10.04 inches (255mm).
What Does 275/60r15 Mean?
The tire size “275/60r15” indicates that the tire has a width of 275 millimeters, an aspect ratio of 60% (meaning that the height of the sidewall is half the tire’s width), and radial construction (“R”).
The number 15 signifies that the tire is designed to fit a 20-inch rim diameter. The equivalent in inches for the tire size 275/60r15 is 28×10.8R15.
What Does 255/60r15 Mean?
The tire specifications 255/60r15 are represented as 27x10R15 in inches. More specifically, the 255 refers to the tread width of the tire in millimeters when mounted and inflated, which comes out to about 10 inches.
The 60 is the aspect ratio, meaning the tire’s sidewall height is 60% of its width, or about 6 inches tall. The R denotes a radial construction tire, which utilizes radial plies in the sidewalls for better handling and flexibility.
The size 255/60R15 tells us this is a narrow, standard profile radial passenger tire made to mount on 15-inch wheel rims.
275/60r15 vs 255/60r15
This table of comparison will assist you in quickly understanding the differences.
Our Observation
Overall, both the 255/60R15 and 275/60R15 perform well as replacement tires, with only minor differences noted during comparison.
The 255/60R15 offers marginally better handling, ride quality, and efficiency for everyday driving, while the slightly larger 275/60R15 provides subtle aesthetics, light off-road advantages, and greater ground clearance.
However, the 255/60R15’s crisper on-road manners suit most drivers’ needs better. We recommend the 255/60R15 as the best pick for typical vehicles and applications, delivering responsive performance across diverse conditions. The sizing sweet spot balances virtues like comfort and wear for daily use.
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.
