285 vs 315 Tires
The main difference between a 285 and a 315 tire is the tread width, with the 315 being wider by 30mm (1.18 inches). This translates to a 10.5% increase in tread width for the 315 over the 285.
285 vs 315 Table
To understand the key differences between two tire sizes, let’s refer to this table chart.
| Tire Size 285 | Tire Size 315 |
|---|---|
| Narrower Tread Width | Wider Tread Width |
| Better Fuel Efficiency | More Traction & Stability |
| Smoother Highway Ride | More Cushioning Over Rough Terrain |
| Lower Cost | More Rugged Visual Appeal |
| More Responsive Handling | Enhanced Off-Road Handling |
| Quieter Ride | Better Vibration Dampening |
| More Even Tread Wear | Withstands Impacts Better |
| Cuts Through Snow/Ice | Additional Traction in Mud |
| Accurate Speedometer Reading | Speedometer Reads Lower |
Ground Clearance
Larger tires, such as the 315, elevate ground clearance, enhancing off-road capability and maneuverability over rough terrains. This increase, however, can lead to inaccurate speedometer readings.
Conversely, the 285 tires, being smaller, lower the vehicle’s stance, potentially easing navigation on smoother surfaces but increasing the risk of undercarriage damage on uneven roads.
Gas Mileage
The narrower tread and reduced rotational mass of the 285 tires can improve fuel economy, a vital factor for daily commuting and long journeys.
The 315 tires, with their larger diameter and increased rolling resistance, tend to decrease fuel efficiency due to their heftier weight and greater drag.
Ride Comfort
Larger tires, like the 315, offer superior comfort on rugged terrains due to their heightened sidewall and increased air volume, which better absorb impacts.
However, for urban and highway driving, the 285 tires might provide a smoother experience, thanks to their optimized size for paved roads.
Aesthetics Look
While 285 tires may enhance a vehicle’s aerodynamic profile, 315 tires contribute to a more robust and aggressive appearance.
The trade-off with larger tires is a potential reduction in aerodynamic efficiency, affecting performance and fuel consumption.
Handling & Stability
The handling precision and responsiveness on paved roads are areas where 285 tires excel, offering drivers a nimble ride.
In contrast, 315 tires provide improved stability and traction, especially in off-road conditions or on uneven surfaces, catering to those prioritizing rugged performance.
Noise & Vibration
On smoother surfaces, 285 tires are generally quieter, although they might transfer more vibrations from road irregularities.
The 315 tires, with their aggressive tread patterns, can produce more noise but tend to offer a less vibration-prone ride due to their larger air volume and sidewall height.
Durability & Wear
Smaller tires like the 285 may exhibit more even wear and potentially longer tread life. Larger tires, such as the 315, although capable of enduring more impacts, might accelerate wear on vehicle components due to their increased weight.
Adverse Condition Performance
In snowy and icy conditions, the 285 tires can offer better performance by cutting through to the road surface. The wider 315 tires might excel in off-road or muddy scenarios, providing enhanced traction where it counts.
Speedometer
Due to its larger overall diameter, the 315 will register as lower speeds on the speedometer than actual speed. Drivers should be aware of this discrepancy and adjust their driving habits accordingly. The 285 provides a more accurate speedometer readout.
How Much Wider Is A 315 Tire Than A 285?
The 315 tire is 30 millimeters wider than the 285 tire. Specifically, a 285 tire has a width of 285 millimeters, while a 315 tire has a width of 315 millimeters. This means the 315 tire is approximately 10.5% wider than the 285 tire.
How Much Taller Is A 315 Tire Than A 285?
The overall height of a tire depends on various factors, such as the aspect ratio, wheel diameter, and the specific tire model. However, assuming both tires have the same aspect ratio and wheel diameter, a 315 tire is generally taller than a 285 tire.
For example, let’s consider the tire size of 315/75r16 and 285/75r16. Assuming the same aspect ratio of 75 and wheel diameter of 16 inches, the overall height of the 315 tires can be calculated as follows:
- (75% of 315 mm x 2) + 16 inches = 34.6 inches
Similarly, the overall height of the 285 tires can be calculated as follows:
- (75% of 285 mm x 2) + 16 inches = 32.83 inches
Therefore, the 315 tires would be approximately 1.77 inches or 45 millimeters taller than the 285 tires, assuming the same aspect ratio and wheel diameter.
However, it’s important to note that the actual difference in overall height can vary depending on the specific tire model and other factors, so it’s always best to consult the manufacturer’s specifications for accurate measurements.
Can I Replace 285 Tires With 315?
Based on the rim width range, you can Replace 285 Tires With 315. But keep a few things in mind before you make this change.
Such as the specifications of your vehicle, the clearance in your wheel well, and the compatibility of the 315 tires with your existing wheel size.
First, it’s important to check your vehicle’s owner’s manual or consult a trusted mechanic to determine the maximum tire size your vehicle can safely accommodate. If your vehicle is compatible with a tire size 315, you’ll also need to ensure enough clearance in your wheel to accommodate the wider tire.
Additionally, you’ll need to ensure the 315 tire is compatible with your existing wheel size. The 315 tire typically requires a wider wheel than a 285 tire, so you must ensure your current wheels are wide enough to mount the 315 tires safely.
The 285 tires can usually be mounted on a wheel with a width ranging from 8.5 to 10.5 inches, and a 315 tire is recommended to be used with a rim width ranging from 9.5 to 11.5 inches. Since both tire sizes overlap the recommended rim width range, they are potentially interchangeable.
Our Observation
While on paper the 315 appears superior for traction and stability, especially off-road, I don’t think most drivers would notice a dramatic improvement over the 285.
For my needs, the 285 provides sufficient grip and absorbs bumps adequately at a lower cost. I don’t require heavy-duty traction or ride height, so I would likely opt for the 285’s performance, value, and fuel efficiency balance. The 315 intrigues me, but it seems like it is optional for my purposes.
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.