255 vs 275 Tires

The main difference between tire sizes 255 and 275 is the width. The 255 tire has a width of 10 inches, while the 275 has a width of 10.82 inches, allowing for more contact with the road surface for improved traction. In short, the 275 tire size is about 20 millimeters wider than the 255 tire size.

255 vs 275 Table

Get a quick overview of the differences between 255 and 275 tire sizes with our handy comparison table.

Tire Size 255	Tire Size 275
Enjoy a smoother ride with 255 tires over 275 tires.	Opt. for 275 tires for maximum dry road traction.
Save money with generally lower-priced 255 tires.	The 275 tires offer superior handling compared to 255 tires.
Tackle snow, rain, and slush confidently with superior traction from 255 tires.	Choose 275 tires for carrying heavier loads.
Boost fuel economy by opting for 255 tires.	Aesthetically, 275 tires are generally more appealing than 255 tires.
The recommended rim width range is between 7 to 9 inches.	The recommended Rim width range for 275 tire size: 8.0-10 inches.
The 255 tire size is 20mm smaller than 275 tire size.	The 275 tire size is 20mm larger than 255 tire size.
Swap out 275 tires with 255 tires, thanks to their overlap in rim width ranges.	Th 255 tire size can be replaced by 275 tire size due to overlap in rim width ranges.

Fuel Economy
Generally, larger tires like 275 offer better traction and stability but consume more fuel due to their increased rolling resistance. This is because larger tires have a more excellent contact patch with the road, which causes more friction than smaller tires.

Additionally, larger tires are heavier and require more energy to move them down the road. On the other hand, smaller tires like 255 reduce drag and improve aerodynamics by reducing wind resistance, thus improving fuel economy.

Ride Comfort
If you want a smoother and more comfortable ride, opting for narrower tires like the 255 size might be the way to go. Narrower tires usually have a higher sidewall ratio, so there is more space between the wheel and the road.

This extra cushioning helps to absorb any bumps and imperfections in the road, leading to a smoother ride. Not only can this provide a smoother and more comfortable ride, but it can also minimize the impact that road imperfections have on your vehicle.

Price
In general, larger tires like 275 tires tend to be more expensive than smaller tires like 255 tires. This is because larger tires require more material and technology to manufacture, which increases their production cost. Additionally, larger tires may have better performance characteristics, which can also add to their price.

The price of tires depends on various factors like brand, tire type, performance, quality, size, and availability. Therefore, it’s impossible to say whether 255 tires are cheaper than 275 tires without specifying the brand, type, and other relevant details.

Braking Performance
Generally, a wider tire, such as a 275 tire, has a larger contact patch with the road, which can provide better grip and traction during braking. This can improve braking performance compared to a narrower tire, such as a 255 tire. It’s important to note that the type of tire and its tread pattern also play a significant role in braking performance.

Tires with a performance-oriented tread pattern and construction will provide better braking performance compared to tires with a more basic design. Additionally, proper tire inflation and regular tire maintenance, such as standard tire rotations and balancing, can positively impact braking performance.

Speedometer Readings
Having discussed the effect of tire sizes 255 and 275 on ground clearance, it’s time to move on to how these tire sizes affect speedometer and odometer readings. Regarding speedometer accuracy, there can be a significant difference between the two sizes.

As you increase tire size from 255 to 275, your speedometer will read slower than your actual speed. This means that when you’re driving at 60 mph, your vehicle may actually be going faster due to the larger sized tires.

On the other hand, when it comes to odometer readings, they will be less accurate with a larger size tire as well. This is because a larger tire covers more ground with each revolution as compared to a smaller tire. 

As a result, your odometer will accumulate more mileage over time than it would if you had a smaller-sized tire. To maintain accuracy for both speedometers and odometer readings, you must recalibrate them with the new tire size in mind.

Wet & Snow Performance
When driving on snow, slush, or rain, narrower tires like the 255 size are better suited due to their higher pressure per square inch rating. This allows them to effectively push into the elements. On the other hand, wider tires like the 275 size can struggle to cut through the snow and reach the ground.

Although fuel economy, ride comfort, and performance are all important factors to consider when choosing a tire size, if you often drive in difficult weather conditions, the 255 size may be the best option.

Dry Traction
The 275 tires provide better traction and handling on dry roads compared to 255 tires. This is because their wider design gives them more contact with the road surface, resulting in increased grip and reducing understeer and oversteer when turning. The larger footprint of the 275 tires also provides extra stability when accelerating or braking hard. So, if you want maximum control and performance on dry roads, the 275 tires are ideal.

Handling Performance
The 275 tires offer better handling than the 255 tires. Their larger size allows for a larger contact patch with the road, which gives better grip and better cornering. This improved handling leads to more precise cornering and faster acceleration – especially helpful when driving in bad weather. The wider tires also provide a smoother ride since they have a softer suspension.

Conclusion
The narrower 255 size tires are for those seeking better fuel economy, smoother ride and excellent performance in wet & snow weather. Compared to the tire size 275. However, for those looking for better traction and handling on dry roads, as well as improved braking performance, the larger 275 size tires would be ideal. It’s important to note that the choice between these two sizes will also depend on factors such as driving conditions, weather, and personal preferences.

• 255 vs 285 Tires