Tire Size 315/60r20 vs 35×12.50r20
Switching from 315/60R20 to 35×12.50R20 tires is a popular upgrade for many vehicle owners. This change offers a slight increase in tire size, potentially improving off-road performance and giving your vehicle a more aggressive look. However, it’s crucial to understand the impacts of this switch on your vehicle’s performance, handling, and overall driving experience.
- Minimal increase in overall tire diameter of 0.4%
- Slight width increase of 1%
- Negligible impact on speedometer accuracy
- Potential for improved off-road capability
- Minimal effect on fuel efficiency
315/60r20 vs 35×12.50r20 Table
The 35×12.50R20 tire is slightly larger, with a 0.4% increase in diameter and a 1% increase in width. This small change can subtly affect your vehicle’s performance and appearance without requiring significant modifications.
Fitment Guide
It’s crucial to follow the fitment guide. In this case, the diameter difference between 315/60R20 and 35×12.50R20 is well within the acceptable 3% range, making this interchange recommended.
The minimal 0.4% difference ensures that no major adaptations are necessary to prevent rubbing or clearance issues.
On-Road Impact
Switching to 35×12.50R20 tires can have subtle effects on your vehicle’s on-road performance. Let’s explore these impacts:
- Speedometer Accuracy: The 0.4% increase in tire diameter results in a negligible impact on your speedometer readings. At 20 mph, your actual speed would be 20.08 mph – a difference that’s barely noticeable in real-world driving conditions.
- Ride Comfort: The slightly larger tire may provide a marginal improvement in ride comfort, especially over rough road surfaces. The extra sidewall height (0.07 inches) could offer a bit more cushioning, though the difference is minimal.
- Fuel Efficiency: The impact on fuel efficiency is likely to be insignificant. The 0.4% increase in tire size may cause a very slight decrease in fuel economy, but it’s unlikely to be noticeable in day-to-day driving.
- Handling: The wider tire (by 0.12 inches) might offer a slightly larger contact patch, potentially improving grip on dry roads. However, the difference is so small that most drivers won’t notice any significant change in handling characteristics.
- Aesthetics: The 35×12.50R20 tire will give your vehicle a slightly more aggressive look. The increase in width and diameter, while small, can contribute to a more rugged appearance that many off-road enthusiasts prefer.
Off-Road Impact
For those who enjoy taking their vehicles off the beaten path, the switch to 35×12.50R20 tires can offer some benefits:
- Ground Clearance: The 0.14-inch increase in diameter translates to a minimal gain in ground clearance. While this small increase won’t dramatically improve your vehicle’s ability to clear obstacles, every little bit helps when navigating rough terrain.
- Traction: The slightly wider tire may provide a marginal improvement in off-road traction, especially in loose or soft surfaces like sand or mud. The extra 0.12 inches of width can help distribute the vehicle’s weight over a larger area.
- Durability: Larger tires often come with reinforced sidewalls, which can be beneficial for off-road use. However, the difference between these two sizes is so small that any improvement in durability would be minimal.
- Flotation: In soft terrains like sand or snow, the slightly larger tire size may offer a small improvement in flotation. This could help prevent your vehicle from sinking as quickly in these challenging conditions.
What is the Difference Between 315/60r20 and 35×12.5r20?
The main difference between 315/60r20 and 35×12.5r20 tires lies in their overall dimensions. While both are large tires suitable for trucks and SUVs, the 35×12.5r20 is slightly larger in all aspects.
This size difference, though small, can impact vehicle performance, appearance, and capability. The 35×12.5r20 offers a marginally taller and wider profile, which can provide a more aggressive look and potentially improve off-road performance.
Can I Use 35×12.5r20 Instead of 315/60r20?
Yes, you can use 35×12.5r20 tires instead of 315/60r20 tires. The difference in overall diameter between these two sizes is only 0.4%, which is well within the recommended 3% tolerance for tire size changes.
This small difference means that the switch should not significantly affect your vehicle’s performance, speedometer accuracy, or require major modifications to your vehicle.
How Much Taller Is a 35×12.5r20 Tire Than a 315/60r20?
A 35×12.5r20 tire is 0.14 inches (3.6 mm) taller than a 315/60r20 tire. The 315/60r20 has a diameter of 34.88 inches (886 mm), while the 35×12.5r20 has a diameter of 35.02 inches (889.6 mm). This represents a 0.4% increase in height, which is a relatively minor difference.
How Much Wider is a 35×12.5r20 Tire Than a 315/60r20?
A 35×12.5r20 tire is 0.12 inches (3 mm) wider than a 315/60r20 tire. The 315/60r20 has a width of 12.4 inches (315 mm), while the 35×12.5r20 has a width of 12.52 inches (318 mm).
This represents a 1% increase in width, which is a small but noticeable difference that may slightly improve the tire’s contact patch with the road.
Our Observation
Switching from 315/60R20 to 35×12.50R20 tires offers subtle benefits with minimal drawbacks. The slight increase in size can enhance your vehicle’s appearance and provide marginal improvements in off-road capability.
On-road performance remains largely unchanged, with negligible impacts on speedometer accuracy and fuel efficiency. The main advantage lies in the aesthetic appeal and the psychological boost for off-road enthusiasts.
However, the actual performance differences are so small that they may go unnoticed in both on-road and off-road scenarios. This upgrade is best suited for those seeking a minor visual enhancement without significant alterations to their vehicle’s performance characteristics.
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.