255 vs 285 Tires
The main difference between the 255 tire size and the 285 tire size is in width. The 285 tire size is around 30 millimeters wider than the 255 tire size. This difference in width can impact several aspects of a vehicle’s performance, including handling and stability.
255 vs 285 Table
Take a glance at our convenient comparison table to quickly compare the variances.
| Tire Size 255 | Tire Size 285 |
|---|---|
| Enjoy a smoother and comfortable ride with 255 tires | For Maximum dry road traction, choose 285 over 255 tires |
| The 255 tires typically cost less compare to the 285 tires | For Better handling performance you can choose 285 tires |
| Tackle snow, rain & slush with superior traction using 255 tires | For Heavier load capacity you can select 285 tires |
| For boost fuel economy choose 255 over 285 tires | The 285 tires can give you more attractive and Aesthetics look |
| Recommended Rim Width Range for 255 Tires is between 7 to 9.5 inches | Recommended rim width range for 265 tires is between 8.5 to 10.5 inches |
| The 255 Tires are 30 Millimeters Smaller than 285 Tires | The 285 tires are 30 millimeters larger than 255 tires |
The 255 Tires can be used as a Replacement for 285 Tires as they Share overlap in Rim Width Range. | The 285 tires can be replaced with 255 tires as they share overlap in rim widths. |
Fuel Economy
Larger tires, such as 285, provide more stability and traction but can consume more fuel due to their greater rolling resistance.
This is because of their bigger contact with the road, resulting in more friction than smaller tires. Furthermore, larger tires are heavier and need more power to move them.
On the other hand, smaller tires like 255 reduce drag and enhance aerodynamics by reducing wind resistance, thus improving fuel economy.
Ride Comfort
If you’re looking for a smoother and more comfortable ride, you might want to consider narrower tires such as the 255 size.
Narrower tires typically have a higher sidewall ratio, which means there is more room between the wheel and the road. This extra cushioning helps absorb any bumps or irregularities in the road and can result in a smoother ride.
Not only does this make for a smoother and more comfortable ride, but it also reduces the impact of road conditions on your vehicle.
Dry Traction
If you want improved handling and traction on dry roads, 285 tires are the way to go. They have a wider design that gives them more contact with the road, resulting in increased grip and decreased understeer and oversteer when turning.
Additionally, their larger footprint provides extra stability when accelerating or braking hard. So, to get the most control and performance on dry roads, 285 tires are your best bet.
Handling Performance
The 275 tires offer better handling than the 255 tires due to their larger size. This larger size creates a larger
contact patch with the road, resulting in better grip and more precise cornering.
Additionally, the wider tires provide faster acceleration, which is especially helpful when driving in bad weather. The wider tires also lead to a smoother ride, as they have a softer suspension.
How Much Wider Is A 285 Tire Than A 255?
The width of a tire is determined by its section width, which is the measurement of the tire’s cross-section from sidewall to sidewall, taken at the widest point when the tire is properly inflated and not loaded.
The 285 tire is approximately 30 millimeters wider than the 255 tires. This measurement is taken from the outermost points of each tire’s sidewalls and represents the difference in the tire’s section width.
How Much Taller Is A 285 Tire Than A 255?
To calculate the difference in height between 255 and 285 tire sizes, we can use the aspect ratio formula to determine the tire height. The formula is (height of sidewall x2) + rim diameter = overall tire height.
Let’s take an example of tire size 255/75r17 and tire size 285/70r17. Assuming both tires have the same rim diameter of 17 inches, we can calculate that the tire height for a 255/75r17 tire would be approximately 32.06 inches.
In comparison, the 285/70r17 tire would be approximately 32.71 inches. Therefore, the difference in height between these two tires would be about 0.65 inches or 2%.
In short, the 285 tire size is around .065 inches taller than the 255 tire size if the rim size and aspect ratio are the same as we use.
How Tall Is A 285 Tire?
Let’s assume 285 tire size with an aspect ratio of 60 (typical for SUVs and trucks) mounted on a 20-inch wheel, the sidewall height would be 285 x 0.60 = 171mm.
With two sidewalls per tire, the total tire height contribution is 171 x 2 = 342mm or 13.46 inches. Added to the 20-inch wheel size, the full height of a 285 tire under these specifications is 20 + 13.46 = 33.46 inches. So, the height of the 285 tire is 33.46 inches.
Can I Replace 255 Tires With 285?
Yes, you can replace 255 tires with 285 tires, but there are several factors to consider before making the change.
Remember that you don’t want to go with tires with a diameter that is more than 3% different from the original tires. It’s also a good idea to consult with a trusted mechanic before switching to larger or smaller tires.
What Does 255 Mean On A Tire?
The number 255 on a tire refers to the tire’s section width, which is the measurement of the tire’s width from sidewall to sidewall in millimeters. In this case, a tire with a 255 section width is approximately 255 millimeters wide.
What Does 285 Mean On A Tire?
The number “285” on a tire typically refers to the tire’s section width, which is the measurement of the tire’s widest point from sidewall to sidewall in millimeters. In this case, the tire’s section width is 285 millimeters.
What Is 255 Tire Size In Inches?
The 255 tire size in inches refers to the width of the tire. The number “275” represents the width in millimeters. To convert it to inches, you need to divide the width by 25.4, since there are 25.4 millimeters in an inch.
So, to calculate the width in inches: 255 mm / 25.4 = 10.03 inches
Therefore, a 255 tire size is approximately 10.03 inches wide. Keep in mind that this only represents the width of the tire, not the height or diameter.
What Is 285 Tire Size In Inches?
The tire size of 285 in inches indicates the tire’s width, where the number “285” denotes the width in millimeters. To convert the width into inches, you must divide the width by 25.4, as one inch equals 25.4 millimeters.
Hence, to determine the width in inches, the calculation is 285 mm / 25.4 = 11.22 inches. It’s essential to note that this measurement solely represents the tire’s width and not its height or diameter. In short, we can say that the 285 tire size is approximately 11.22 inches.
Can I Put 285 On A 255 Rim?
Rims have a specified range of tire widths they can accommodate, and using a tire outside of that range is not recommended.
The recommended rim width range for the 285 tire size is 8.5 to 10.5 inches, while the recommended rim width range for the 255 tire size is 7 to 9 inches. As you can see the overlap in the rim width range, selecting a rim within the recommended range for each tire size is essential to ensure optimal performance and safety.
That means you can Put 285 On A 255 Rim. It is also essential to consider your vehicle’s ground clearance as a wider tire may cause rubbing or other issues if the car is not designed for it.
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.
