Tire Size 275/70r18 vs 295/70r18
The main difference between 275/70R18 and 295/70R18 tires is their section width. The 295/70R18 tires are 20mm wider than 275/70R18 tires. Let’s take a deeper look at how these two tire sizes compare.
| / | R |
| / | R |
| Parameter | 235/35 R18 | 205/40 R18 | Differ. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tire Height | |||
| Section Width | |||
| Circumference | |||
| Sidewall Height | |||
| Revolutions | |||
| Rim Size |
Fitment Guide
The new tires should be within 3% of the diameter of the original tires. Going beyond this threshold may require modifications like a leveling or lift kit to prevent issues with rubbing.
The 295/70r18 is 3.3% larger in diameter than the 275/70r18, so it crosses the 3% barrier. This means some vehicles designed for the 275/70r18 may have fitment issues with the wider 295 tires.
Ground Clearance
With a diameter of 34.26 inches, the 295/70r18 provides 1.1 inches more ground clearance than the 33.16 inch 275/70r18. This added clearance is useful for off-road driving, helping prevent damage over rough terrain.
However, the larger diameter 295 tire also causes a lower speedometer reading than the 275.
Gas Mileage
The 295/70r18 is heavier than the 275/70r18, which can reduce fuel efficiency due to increased rolling resistance and rotational mass.
With less weight and a smaller contact patch, the 275/70r18 is generally the more fuel-efficient choice for daily driving.
Ride Comfort
The taller 70 aspect ratio sidewall of the 275/70r18 absorbs bumps and impacts slightly better than the shorter 65 aspect ratio 275/65r18.
This provides a marginally smoother ride over uneven pavement. However, the difference is minor, and both offer good ride comfort.
Aesthetics
Visually, the 295/70r18 has a slightly taller sidewall than the 275, giving it a more aggressive, “stretched” look. This aesthetic can suit trucks and SUVs well. The 275 has a more low-profile appearance that some vehicles suit better.
Handling & Stability
The shorter sidewall and smaller size of the 275/70r18 provide sharper handling response and control.
The taller 295/70r18 sidewall flexes more, reducing handling precision slightly. However, both offer stable, responsive handling for everyday driving.
Noise & Vibration
With a shorter, stiffer sidewall, the 275/70r18 transmits more road noise and vibration to the cabin. The extra sidewall flex of the 295 helps dampen vibrations for a smoother, quieter ride. But the differences are minor, and both tires are relatively quiet.
Durability & Wear
The smaller 275/70r18 often exhibits more even treadwear and can potentially last longer than the larger, heavier 295/70r18. However, both tire sizes are durable, with only modest differences in tread life.
Adverse Conditions
Performance in rain, snow, and off-road is comparable between the two sizes. The extra ground clearance of the 295/70r18 provides a slight advantage off-road.
At the same time, the 275/70r18’s shorter sidewall makes it more responsive on slippery roads. Overall, both handle adverse conditions equally well.
Speedometer Reading
At an actual speed of 20 mph, the speedometer reads 20.66 mph with 295/70r18 tires equipped versus 20 mph with 275/70r18 tires. This 0.66 mph speedometer difference is due to the larger diameter of the 295 tire.
295/70r18 vs 275/70r18
What Does 275/70r18 Tire Mean?
The 275/70r18 tire size offers a good balance of traction and comfort. The 275 refers to the width of the Tire in millimeters, while the 70 indicates that the sidewall height is 70% of the width.
The 18 means that the Tire is 18 inches in diameter. The letter “R” stands for radial construction, which is the most common type of Tire. The tire size 275/70R18 is the same as 33.2×10.8R18 in inches.
Can I use 275/70r18 instead of 295/70r18?
Even though the 275/70r18 tire has a diameter that is 3.3% smaller than the 295/70r18, which exceeds the recommended 3% variance, it’s not recommended to use them interchangeably.
A significant deviation in diameter can have an impact on the accuracy of the speedometer and the vehicle’s handling.
How Much Taller Is A 295/70r18 Tire Than 275/70r18?
The 295/70r18 tire is 1.1 inches taller than the 275/70r18 tire, which represents a 3.3% increase in diameter.
To be precise, the 295/70r18 tire measures 34.26 inches in height or 870.2 mm, while the 275/70r18 tire stands at 33.16 inches or 842.2 mm.
How Much Wider Is A 295/70r18 Tire Than A 275/70r18?
In terms of width, the 295/70R18 tire is larger than the 275/70R18 tire by 0.79 inches (20mm) or 7.3%. The 295/70R18 measures 11.61 inches (295mm) wide, while the 275/70R18 is narrower at 10.83 inches (275mm) wide.
What Does 295/70r18 Tire Mean?
The notation “295/70r18” for a tire indicates its size and specifications. The first number, 295, represents the tire’s width in millimeters.
The second number, 70, denotes the aspect ratio, indicating the tire’s height as a percentage of its width. Lastly, “r18” signifies that the tire is designed for an 18-inch wheel diameter. If you’re looking for the inch measurements of a tire with a size of 295/70r18, it’s equivalent to 34.3×11.6R18.
What Size Rim For 295/70r18?
The tire size 295/70r18 is designed to fit an 18-inch wheel rim. The recommended rim width for this tire size is typically between 7.5 to 10 inches, as the manufacturer indicates.
Using a rim within this range will help ensure the tire is supported correctly and performs as intended.
What Size Rim For 275/70r18?
The tire size 275/70r18 is designed to fit an 18-inch wheel rim. The recommended rim width for this tire size is typically between 7.5 to 9 inches, as the manufacturer indicates.
Our Observation
The 275/70r18 is best suited for everyday on-road driving, providing better fuel efficiency, handling, and speedometer accuracy. Its lower profile and lighter weight optimize it for paved roads.
Meanwhile, the 295/70r18’s added width and diameter give it superior off-road capabilities and aesthetic appeal. Its extra ground clearance performs better over rugged terrain.
For most drivers who mainly stay on the pavement, we recommend the 275/70r18 for its road-focused benefits. But off-road enthusiasts may prefer the aggressive stance and durability of the 295/70r18.
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.
