How Wide is a 335 Tire?
The first number in the tire size, 335, represents the width of the tire in millimeters. To convert this to inches, we divide 335 by 25.4 (since there are 25.4 millimeters in an inch). This gives us approximately 13.2 inches.
That’s right—when you’re looking at a 335 tire, you’re dealing with a tire that’s a little over 13 inches wide. But there’s more to the story than just that number.
What Does Tire Width Mean?
Tire width, measured from sidewall to sidewall, is a key factor in how a tire interacts with the road. The width of the tire affects your vehicle’s handling, grip, and even fuel efficiency.
Wider tires, like a 335, offer more contact with the road, which generally means better traction and stability. This is especially important for high-performance vehicles that require maximum grip during cornering, acceleration, and braking.
Why Choose a 335 Tire?
A 335 tire is often chosen for its performance benefits. If you’re driving a sports car or a high-performance vehicle, you might opt for a wider tire like the 335 to ensure that your car sticks to the road like glue, especially during aggressive driving.
The added width allows for better distribution of the vehicle’s weight across the tire’s surface, which can improve handling and reduce the risk of tire slippage in wet conditions.
However, there are trade-offs. Wider tires can increase rolling resistance, which might slightly reduce fuel efficiency. They can also be more prone to hydroplaning in very wet conditions because they can’t cut through water as efficiently as narrower tires.
How to Measure Tire Width Accurately
While the number on the tire gives you a good idea of the width, it’s important to know that the actual width can vary slightly depending on the tire manufacturer and the specific design of the tire.
The 335 measurement is the tire’s section width, which is the width of the tire’s cross-section at its widest point when mounted on a specified width of wheel. To get an accurate measurement, the tire must be properly inflated and mounted on the correct wheel size.
Manufacturers provide specific wheel width ranges that are best suited for each tire size, and the exact width of a 335 tire can change if it’s mounted on a narrower or wider wheel than recommended.
How Wide is Too Wide?
While wide tires like the 335 offer impressive performance benefits, there are limitations to consider. The wider the tire, the more space it takes up, which can impact your vehicle’s fitment.
You need to ensure that the tire doesn’t rub against the fender or other parts of the vehicle. This is particularly important if you’re considering upgrading to a wider tire than what your car originally came with.
Additionally, wider tires can impact the speedometer reading. If you increase the width without adjusting the aspect ratio (the tire’s height relative to its width), the overall diameter of the tire can change, leading to inaccuracies in your speedometer and odometer readings.
Real-World Applications of 335 Tires
The 335 tire width is commonly found on high-performance and supercars, where maximum traction is critical. For example, vehicles like the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 or the Porsche 911 GT2 RS often come equipped with 335 tires on the rear axle to handle the immense power these cars generate. The extra width helps to put that power down on the pavement without losing control.
For off-road enthusiasts, a 335 tire might also be used on large, heavily modified trucks and SUVs that need the extra width to navigate rough terrains and provide stability on uneven surfaces.
Is a 335 Tire Right for You?
Choosing a tire as wide as a 335 isn’t just about aesthetics or fitting a bigger tire—it’s about performance and handling.
If you drive a high-performance vehicle and need the extra grip, or if you’re looking to modify your car for better stability, a 335 tire might be a perfect choice.
Just keep in mind the potential trade-offs, like reduced fuel efficiency and the need for proper fitment. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your driving needs and the specific requirements of your vehicle.
Whether you’re racing down a track or navigating rugged off-road trails, understanding the implications of tire width will help you make an informed decision that enhances your driving experience.
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.