Tire Size 265/70r18 vs 285/65r18
Are you considering switching from 265/70r18 to 285/65r18 tires on your vehicle? While the two sizes are quite close, even small differences can impact performance. Let’s take a closer look at what changes when you make this tire size swap.
- Wider tread of 285/65r18 improves traction and handling on paved roads
- Slightly firmer ride may be experienced with 285/65r18 due to reduced sidewall flex
- Negligible speedometer discrepancy of 0.02 mph at 20 mph with 285/65r18 tires
- No significant vehicle modifications required when switching to 285/65r18 tires
265/70r18 vs 285/65r18
Fitment Guide
According to the data provided, the diameter difference between 265/70r18 and 285/65r18 tires is a mere -0.1%, well within the acceptable 3% range.
This means that switching to 285/65r18 tires should not require any significant modifications to your vehicle.
On-Road Impact
When driving on paved roads, the switch from 265/70r18 to 285/65r18 tires can lead to some noticeable changes in your vehicle’s behavior.
The wider 285/65r18 tires offer a larger contact patch with the road surface, potentially improving traction and handling. However, this increase in width may also result in a slightly firmer ride, as the tires have less sidewall flex to absorb bumps and vibrations.
The marginally smaller overall diameter of the 285/65r18 tires (-0.1%) can cause your speedometer to read slightly faster than your actual speed. However, with a difference of only 0.02 mph at 20 mph, this discrepancy is negligible for most drivers.
Off-Road Impact
If you frequently take your vehicle off the beaten path, the switch to 285/65r18 tires can provide some advantages.
The wider tread of the 285/65r18 tires can offer improved flotation and stability on soft surfaces like sand or mud. The increased contact area also helps distribute the vehicle’s weight more evenly, reducing the risk of sinking or getting stuck.
However, the slightly smaller sidewall height of the 285/65r18 tires (-0.1%) may result in a marginal decrease in ground clearance. This difference is minimal and unlikely to affect most off-road situations significantly.
What is the Main Difference Between 265/70r18 and 285/65r18?
The primary difference between 265/70r18 and 285/65r18 tires is their width, with the 285/65r18 being 0.79 inches (20 mm) wider than the 265/70r18.
Can I Use 285/65r18 Instead of 265/70r18?
Yes, you can use 285/65r18 tires instead of 265/70r18 as the overall diameter difference is only -0.1%, which is well within the acceptable 3% range.
How Much Taller Is a 265/70r18 Tire Than a 285/65r18?
A 265/70r18 tire is only marginally taller than a 285/65r18 by 0.02 inches (0.5 mm), representing a negligible difference of -0.1% in overall diameter.
How Much Wider is a 285/65r18 Tire Than a 265/70r18?
A 285/65r18 tire is 0.79 inches (20 mm) wider than a 265/70r18 tire, which equates to a width increase of 7.5%.
Our Observations
After analyzing the differences between 265/70r18 and 285/65r18 tires, we’ve found that the benefits of switching largely outweigh the drawbacks.
The wider tread of the 285/65r18 tires can enhance traction and stability both on and off the road, while the marginally smaller diameter has a negligible impact on speedometer accuracy and ground clearance.
Overall, upgrading to 285/65r18 tires can be a worthwhile investment for those seeking improved performance without the need for major vehicle modifications.
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.