Tire Size 285/60r20 vs 275/55r20
Tire size changes can significantly impact your vehicle’s performance, safety, and appearance. This article explores the effects of switching from 285/60r20 to 275/55r20 tires, helping you make an informed decision about this tire upgrade.
285/60r20 vs 275/55r20 Table
The primary difference between 285/60r20 and 275/55r20 tires is the overall diameter. The 275/55r20 tire is 1.56 inches (39.5 mm) smaller in diameter, which is a 4.6% reduction.
Fitment Guide
In the case of switching from 285/60r20 to 275/55r20, the diameter difference is -4.6%, which exceeds the acceptable range. As a result, this interchange is not recommended without making necessary adaptations to prevent issues such as rubbing or clearance problems.
On-Road Impact
The switch to 275/55r20 tires will have several noticeable effects on your vehicle’s on-road performance. Here’s what you can expect:
- Gas Mileage: The smaller diameter of the 275/55r20 tires may slightly improve fuel efficiency due to reduced rolling resistance and weight.
- Speedometer Accuracy: Your speedometer will be affected by this tire change. At a speedometer reading of 20 mph, your actual speed will be about 19.07 mph. This 4.6% difference means you’ll be traveling slower than your speedometer indicates.
- Ride Comfort: The lower profile of the 275/55r20 tires (5.95 inches vs. 6.73 inches sidewall height) may result in a slightly firmer ride. You might feel more road imperfections, but the difference may not be significant for most drivers.
- Handling: The narrower width (10.83 inches vs. 11.22 inches) and lower profile of the 275/55r20 tires could potentially improve cornering stability and responsiveness, especially on dry roads.
- Braking: The smaller contact patch of the 275/55r20 tires might slightly increase braking distances, particularly in wet conditions.
Off-Road Impact
For those who take their vehicles off the beaten path, the tire change will also affect off-road performance:
- Ground Clearance: The 1.56-inch reduction in overall diameter will lower your vehicle’s ground clearance. This could make it more challenging to navigate over obstacles and rough terrain.
- Traction: The narrower width of the 275/55r20 tires may provide less traction in loose or muddy conditions compared to the wider 285/60r20 tires.
- Durability: The lower profile of the 275/55r20 tires makes them more susceptible to damage from rocks and other off-road hazards.
- Flotation: In soft surfaces like sand or snow, the narrower 275/55r20 tires may sink more easily, potentially reducing your vehicle’s ability to “float” over these terrains.
Aesthetic Look
The change to 275/55r20 tires will alter your vehicle’s appearance:
- The smaller overall diameter will make the wheel wells appear larger, potentially giving your vehicle a more aggressive stance.
- The narrower width may make the tires look less beefy, which could be seen as less rugged for off-road enthusiasts.
- The lower profile will create a more sporty appearance, which some drivers may prefer for a more modern look.
Durability & Wear
The switch to 275/55r20 tires may impact tire longevity and wear patterns:
- The lower profile tires may be more prone to damage from potholes and road hazards.
- The change in tire size will affect the revolutions per mile, increasing from 602.67 to 632.04. This means the tires will complete more rotations over the same distance, potentially leading to faster wear.
- The narrower width may distribute weight differently, possibly altering wear patterns on the tire tread.
What is the Difference Between 285/60r20 and 275/55r20?
The main difference between 285/60r20 and 275/55r20 tires is their overall diameter. The 285/60r20 tire has a diameter of 33.46 inches, while the 275/55r20 tire has a diameter of 31.91 inches.
This results in a significant difference of 1.56 inches or 4.6% in overall diameter, which exceeds the typically recommended 3% threshold for tire size changes.
Can I Use 275/55r20 Instead of 285/60r20?
No, it is not recommended to use 275/55r20 tires instead of 285/60r20 tires. The difference in overall diameter between these two tire sizes is 4.6%, which exceeds the generally accepted 3% rule for tire size changes.
This significant difference could potentially affect vehicle handling, speedometer accuracy, ground clearance, and overall performance.
How Much Taller Is a 285/60r20 Tire Than a 275/55r20?
A 285/60r20 tire is 1.56 inches (39.5 mm) taller than a 275/55r20 tire. The 285/60r20 tire has a diameter of 33.46 inches (850 mm), while the 275/55r20 tire has a diameter of 31.91 inches (810.5 mm).
How Much Wider is a 285/60r20 Tire Than a 275/55r20?
A 285/60r20 tire is 0.39 inches (10 mm) wider than a 275/55r20 tire. The 285/60r20 tire has a width of 11.22 inches (285 mm), while the 275/55r20 tire has a width of 10.83 inches (275 mm).
Our Observation
Switching from 285/60r20 to 275/55r20 tires offers a mix of benefits and drawbacks. On-road, you may experience slightly improved fuel efficiency and potentially better handling, especially in dry conditions.
However, the speedometer inaccuracy and potential reduction in wet traction are concerns. Off-road, the reduced ground clearance and narrower width could noticeably impact performance in challenging terrains.
The aesthetic change might appeal to some, giving the vehicle a sportier look. While the on-road differences may be negligible for casual drivers, off-road enthusiasts and those who frequently drive in diverse conditions should carefully weigh the pros and cons before making this switch.
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.