If you’re in the market for new tires, you may have come across the question: “Can I use 215/55R17 instead of 215/50R17?” While it may seem like a simple swap, there are both positive and negative factors to consider before making the switch.

On the positive side, using 215/55R17 tires instead of 215/50R17 tires may result in a smoother ride, better traction in snowy conditions, and improved fuel efficiency. Additionally, the taller sidewall of the 215/55R17 tires may offer better protection against potholes and other road hazards.

However, there are also potential negatives to consider. Switching to a different tire size can impact the accuracy of your speedometer and odometer, potentially leading to issues with your vehicle’s calibration. Additionally, some vehicles may not be designed to accommodate the larger size of 215/55R17 tires, leading to clearance issues and potential damage to your car’s suspension.

Can I Use 215/55r17 Instead Of 215/50r17?

Using 215/55R17 instead of 215/50R17 is doable, but the 55 series will have a taller sidewall than the 50 series. This could slightly impact your speedometer accuracy and handling. Check for fit without any rubbing, but generally, it should work.

Related: Can I Use 225/65r17 Instead Of 215/65r17

215/55R17 vs 215/50R17: Comparison Table

Here is the differences between these two tires.

Feature/Specification	215/55R17	215/50R17
Aspect Ratio	55	50
Sidewall Height (mm)	118.25	107.5
Diameter (mm)	668.85	638.5
Width (mm)	215	215
Max Load Capacity (kg)	690	615
Speed Rating	V	W
Tread Depth (mm)	8	8
Fuel Efficiency	C	C
Wet Grip	B	C
Noise Level (dB)	69	71

Explanation of The Table

Aspect Ratio and Sidewall Height: Aspect ratio and sidewall height of each tire size. The aspect ratio is just a fancy way of saying how tall the tire is compared to its width.

The 215/55R17 tire is a bit taller than the 215/50R17 tire, which means it might give you a little more cushion and comfort while driving.

Diameter and Width: The diameter is the total height of the tire, from the bottom to the top.

The 215/55R17 tire is a bit bigger overall than the 215/50R17 tire, which could make it more stable on the road. They both have the same width of 215mm.

Load Capacity and Speed Rating: The load capacity is just how much weight each tire can support. The 215/55R17 tire can hold a little more weight than the 215/50R17 tire.

The speed rating tells you how fast the tire can safely go. Both tires have a similar speed rating, so you won’t have to worry about that.

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Advantages and disadvantages of using 215/55R17 instead of 215/50R17

The decision to use 215/55R17 instead of 215/50R17 tires comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. It is important to understand these factors before making a decision. Below are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using 215/55R17 instead of 215/50R17:

Advantages:

1. Higher tire sidewall for improved ride comfort: The 215/55R17 tire has a higher sidewall than the 215/50R17 tire, which provides more cushioning to the vehicle during rides. This makes the ride smoother and more comfortable, especially on bumpy or uneven roads.
2. Increased load carrying capacity: The 215/55R17 tire has a higher load index than the 215/50R17 tire. This means that it can carry more weight than the latter. This can be an advantage if you frequently carry heavy loads or have a larger vehicle.

Disadvantages:

1. Lower speed rating: The 215/55R17 tire has a lower speed rating than the 215/50R17 tire. This means that it is not designed to travel as fast as the latter. If you frequently drive at high speeds, this can be a disadvantage as it can compromise your safety.
2. Increased fuel consumption: The 215/55R17 tire has a higher rolling resistance than the 215/50R17 tire. This means that it requires more energy to move, which results in increased fuel consumption. This can be a disadvantage if you are looking to save on fuel costs.
3. Decreased cornering ability: The 215/55R17 tire has a larger sidewall than the 215/50R17 tire, which can result in decreased cornering ability. This is because the larger sidewall can cause the tire to flex more during cornering, which can affect the vehicle’s stability and handling.

215/55r17 alternate size

here are some alternate tire size options for 215/55R17, along with short details about each:

• 225/50R17: This tire has a slightly wider tread width than the 215/55R17, which could provide more stability on the road. However, the lower sidewall height might make you feel more of the bumps and imperfections in the road surface.
• 205/60R17: This tire has a narrower tread width than the 215/55R17, which could make for a more comfortable ride. The higher sidewall height might provide more cushioning and insulation against bumps, but could potentially make the tire less stable on the road.
• 225/55R17: This tire has a slightly larger diameter than the 215/55R17, which could provide better handling and stability at high speeds. The wider tread width could also provide better grip on the road. However, the larger size might affect your vehicle’s fuel economy.
• 215/60R17: This tire has a slightly larger sidewall height than the 215/55R17, which could provide more cushioning and comfort while driving. The narrower tread width might make the tire less stable on the road, but could potentially improve fuel economy.

Note: It’s important to consult with a professional before changing tire sizes to ensure that the new size is compatible with your vehicle and won’t negatively affect its performance.

Related Read: Difference Between 225/60r17 and 215/60r17

215/50r17 alternate size

here are some alternate tire size options for 215/50R17:

• 225/45R17: This tire has a slightly wider tread width than the 215/50R17, which could provide better stability on the road. However, the lower sidewall height might make the ride feel stiffer and less comfortable.
• 205/55R17: This tire has a narrower tread width than the 215/50R17, which could make the ride more comfortable and provide more cushioning against bumps. However, the higher sidewall height might make the tire less stable on the road.
• 215/45R17: This tire has a slightly lower sidewall height than the 215/50R17, which could provide better handling and stability at high speeds. However, the narrower tread width might make the ride feel stiffer and less comfortable.
• 225/50R17: This tire has a slightly wider tread width and a slightly larger sidewall height than the 215/50R17, which could provide better stability on the road while still maintaining a comfortable ride. However, the larger size might affect your vehicle’s fuel economy.

215/55r17 tire popular brands and model – Top 10

here are the top 10 popular tire brands for 215/55R17 tires, along with their popular model names:

1. Michelin Primacy MXV4
2. Continental TrueContact Tour
3. Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred Touring
4. Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus
5. Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus
6. Yokohama Avid Ascend GT
7. Hankook Kinergy GT
8. Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring
9. General AltiMAX RT43
10. Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S

These tire brands are known for their high-quality tires, and their 215/55R17 tires are popular for their durability, performance, and long tread life. Whether you’re driving in dry, wet, or snowy conditions, these tires are designed to provide excellent traction and handling on the road.

So if you’re looking for a reliable and high-quality tire for your vehicle, these brands and models are definitely worth considering.

215/50r17 tire popular brands and model – Top 10

1. Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+
2. Continental ExtremeContact DWS06
3. Goodyear Eagle Sport All-Season
4. Pirelli P Zero Nero All Season
5. Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Pole Position
6. Yokohama Avid Envigor
7. Hankook Ventus S1 Noble2
8. Cooper Zeon RS3-G1
9. General G-MAX AS-05
10. Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S

Final Notes

Using 215/55R17 instead of 215/50R17 comes with its own pros and cons. If you’re after a more comfortable ride and increased load capacity, 215/55R17 may be the better option.

However, if you prioritize speed and fuel efficiency, 215/50R17 may be the way to go.

Ultimately, it’s up to you and what you value most in your driving experience.

And if you’re wondering whether to use 225/55R17 instead of 215/55R17, your answer is here.