As a car owner, you may be in need of changing the tires of your car. But you may not find the recommended sized tire.
So, can I use 185/65r15 instead of 185/60r15? Well, the good news is that it is possible, but it’s important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of making this switch between tires.
In this article, I will provide you with a detailed comparison of the two tire sizes, including other related information to help you make an informed decision.
Let’s dive!
Can I Use 185/65r15 Instead Of 185/60r15?
Well, the answer to the question is positive. You can use 185/65r15 instead of 185/60r15 tire. It can provide some advantages which we will know later in the discussion. But before you make the switch you need know their differences and what can happen if you do so.
Also Read:
185/65r15 vs 185/60r15 tire – Comparison Table
Let’s start by knowing the difference between 185/65r15 and 185/60r15 tires below –
| Tire Size | Width | Aspect Ratio | Rim Size | Overall Diameter | Load Index | Speed Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 185/65r15 | 185mm | 65% | 15 inches | 621mm | 88 | T |
| 185/60r15 | 185mm | 60% | 15 inches | 603mm | 84 | H |
3 Differences between 185/65r15 and 185/60r15 tire
Here are the main differences between these two tire sizes:
1. Size and Dimensions
The primary difference between the 185/65r15 and 185/60r15 tire sizes is in their dimensions. The first three digits of both tire sizes represent the width of the tire in millimeters. So, both tires have the same width of 185mm.
However, the fourth digit of the tire size represents the height of the tire’s sidewall, also known as the aspect ratio.
The 185/65r15 tire has an aspect ratio of 65, which means that the height of the tire’s sidewall is 65% of its width.
In contrast, the 185/60r15 tire has an aspect ratio of 60, which means that the height of the tire’s sidewall is 60% of its width. This means that the 185/65r15 tire has a taller sidewall than the 185/60r15 tire.
2. Overall Diameter
The aspect ratio of the tire affects the overall diameter of the tire. The overall diameter of the tire is calculated by adding the diameter of the wheel to twice the height of the tire’s sidewall.
The larger sidewall of the 185/65r15 tire results in a larger overall diameter compared to the 185/60r15 tire. Specifically, the overall diameter of the 185/65r15 tire is approximately 6.5% larger than the overall diameter of the 185/60r15 tire.
3. Performance and Handling
The larger overall diameter of the 185/65r15 tire can result in some differences in performance and handling compared to the 185/60r15 tire.
Specifically, the 185/65r15 tire provides better stability and improved fuel efficiency due to its larger contact area with the road. It also provides better traction on wet and slippery roads and a more comfortable ride due to its larger sidewall.
However, the larger size of the 185/65r15 tire can also result in reduced acceleration and handling performance. It may also affect the accuracy of the speedometer and result in less clearance between the tire and the fender.
Related: Can I Use 225/60r17 Instead Of 215/60r17?
Advantages and Disadvantages of using 185/65r15 tire Instead Of 185/60r15
We have compared two popular tire sizes in the above table, 185/65r15 and 185/60r15, and discussed the differences between them. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using a 185/65r15 tire instead of a 185/60r15 tire:
Advantages
- Better Stability: The 185/65r15 tire has a higher profile, which means it has a larger sidewall compared to the 185/60r15 tire. This larger sidewall provides more stability to the vehicle and reduces the risk of accidents due to rollovers.
- Improved Fuel Efficiency: The larger size of the 185/65r15 tire results in a larger contact area with the road. This increased contact area reduces rolling resistance, which in turn improves fuel efficiency.
- Better Traction: The larger contact area of the 185/65r15 tire also provides better traction on wet and slippery roads. This can improve overall driving performance and reduce the risk of accidents.
- Better Comfort: The larger sidewall of the 185/65r15 tire absorbs more shocks and vibrations from the road, providing a more comfortable ride, especially on uneven roads.
Disadvantages
- Reduced Acceleration: The larger size of the 185/65r15 tire results in a larger overall diameter. This increased diameter can reduce acceleration, making the vehicle feel slower and less responsive.
- Reduced Handling: The larger sidewall of the 185/65r15 tire can result in reduced handling performance. The increased sidewall flex can lead to a slower steering response and less precise cornering.
- Speedometer Accuracy: The larger diameter of the 185/65r15 tire can also affect the accuracy of the speedometer. As the tire rotates less frequently, the speedometer may display a slower speed than the actual speed of the vehicle.
- Clearance Issues: The larger overall diameter of the 185/65r15 tire can result in less clearance between the tire and the fender. This can result in rubbing or scraping, especially when turning or going over bumps.
Read it too: Can I Use 225/65r17 Instead Of 215/65r17
Our Tire Size Calculator
Meaning of 185/65r15
The first number in the tire size (185) represents the width of the tire in millimeters. The second number (65) represents the aspect ratio, which is the height of the tire’s sidewall as a percentage of its width.
The “r” stands for radial construction, and the last number (15) represents the diameter of the wheel in inches that the tire is designed to fit.
Also Read: Can I Use 225/65r17 Instead Of 215/65r17 / Can I Use 215/55r17 Instead Of 215/50r17
Meaning of 185/60r15
Similarly, the 185/60r15 tire size has a width of 185mm, but the aspect ratio is 60%, meaning the sidewall height is 60% of the tire’s width. It also has radial construction and is designed to fit a 15-inch wheel.
Popular Brands for 185/65r15 and 185/60r15
Some popular brands of tires in these sizes include:
185/65r15:
- Michelin Defender T+H
- Continental TrueContact Tour
- Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus
- Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max
185/60r15:
- Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus
- Yokohama AVID Ascend GT
- Firestone WeatherGrip
- Falken Ziex ZE960 A/S
FAQs
Q: Can I use a 185/65r15 tire on a 15×6.5 wheel?
A: Yes, a 185/65r15 tire can fit on a 15×6.5 wheel, but it’s important to check if the wheel is rated for the load capacity of the tire.
Q: Will using a 185/65r15 tire instead of a 185/60r15 affect my car’s performance?
A: It may affect the accuracy of the speedometer and result in less clearance between the tire and the fender. However, it may also provide better stability and improved fuel efficiency.
Q: Can I put 185/60 R15 tires on one axle and 185/65 R15 tires on the other?
Yes, you can. It’s not a big issue. But if your car has ABS, there will be some impact on it.
Final Lines
When choosing between these tire sizes, it’s important to consider your driving needs and the specific requirements of your vehicle.
By understanding the differences between these tire sizes and their respective advantages and disadvantages, you can make an informed decision and ensure that your car is safe and performing optimally.
Wish for you safe driving!
