Tire Size 295/35r24 vs 305/35r24
Are you considering upgrading your 295/35r24 tires to a slightly wider 305/35r24 size? While the difference may seem small, it’s important to understand the potential impacts before making the switch.
- Wider tires may minimally impact gas mileage due to increased rolling resistance
- Wider tires may provide a slightly stiffer ride due to reduced sidewall flex
- Speedometer may read marginally slower with 305/35r24 tires (0.17 mph at 20 mph)
- Ground clearance may increase by 0.28 inches (7 mm) with 305/35r24 tires
- Overall impact of switching between these sizes is minimal for on-road driving
295/35r24 vs 305/35r24
Fitment Guide
The new ones should be within 3% of the original tire’s overall diameter. In this case, the diameter difference between 295/35r24 and 305/35r24 is only 0.9%, which falls within the acceptable range.
This means that switching from 295/35r24 to 305/35r24 should not require any major adaptations to your vehicle.
On-Road Impact
Switching to a slightly wider tire can have various effects on your vehicle’s on-road performance. Here are some potential impacts to consider:
- Ground Clearance: The 305/35r24 tire is 0.28 inches (7 mm) taller than the 295/35r24, which may slightly increase your vehicle’s ground clearance. This difference is minimal and unlikely to cause any issues.
- Gas Mileage: The wider 305/35r24 tire has a larger contact patch with the road, which can lead to increased rolling resistance. This may result in a slight decrease in fuel efficiency, although the impact is likely to be negligible.
- Ride Comfort: The wider tire may provide a somewhat stiffer ride due to the reduced sidewall flex. However, the difference in sidewall height is only 0.14 inches (3.5 mm), so the impact on comfort should be minimal.
- Speedometer Accuracy: The 305/35r24 tire has a 0.9% larger diameter than the 295/35r24, which means your speedometer may read slightly slower than your actual speed. At 20 mph (32.19 km/h), the speedometer would show 20.17 mph (32.46 km/h). This difference is small and shouldn’t cause any significant issues.
Off-Road Impact
If you take your vehicle off-road, switching to a wider tire can offer some benefits:
- Traction: The wider 305/35r24 tire provides a larger contact area with the ground, which can improve traction on loose surfaces like sand or gravel.
- Flotation: In soft terrain, the wider tire distributes the vehicle’s weight over a larger area, helping to prevent sinking and improving flotation.
However, the differences in off-road performance between these two tire sizes are likely to be moderate, as the width difference is only 0.39 inches (10 mm).
What is the Main Difference Between 295/35r24 and 305/35r24?
The main difference between 295/35r24 and 305/35r24 tires is the width, with the 305/35r24 being 0.39 inches (10 mm) wider than the 295/35r24.
Can I Use 305/35r24 Instead of 295/35r24?
Yes, you can use 305/35r24 tires instead of 295/35r24 since the difference in overall diameter is only 0.9%, which is within the acceptable ±3% range.
How Much Taller Is a 305/35r24 Tire Than a 295/35r24?
A 305/35r24 tire is 0.28 inches (7 mm) taller than a 295/35r24 tire, with the overall diameters being 32.41 inches (823.1 mm) and 32.13 inches (816.1 mm), respectively.
How Much Wider is a 305/35r24 Tire Than a 295/35r24?
A 305/35r24 tire is 0.39 inches (10 mm) wider than a 295/35r24 tire, with the widths being 12.01 inches (305 mm) and 11.61 inches (295 mm), respectively.
Our Observations
After analyzing the differences between 295/35r24 and 305/35r24 tires, we’ve concluded that switching to the wider size can offer some minor benefits, such as improved traction and flotation off-road.
However, the impact on on-road performance, including ground clearance, gas mileage, ride comfort, and speedometer accuracy, is likely to be minimal.
The 0.9% difference in overall diameter falls well within the acceptable range, so switching between these sizes should not require any major adaptations to your vehicle.
Ultimately, the decision to switch comes down to personal preference and your specific driving needs.
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.