Can I Use 225/55r17 Instead Of 225/65r17? As a researcher on this topic, I’m here to tell you that it’s not recommended or risky.
While it is not recommended to deviate from the manufacturer’s specified tire size, using 225/55R17 instead of 225/65R17 is possible in certain cases. The key difference lies in the aspect ratio (55 vs. 65), indicating the tire’s height relative to its width. The substitute may affect the speedometer accuracy and slightly alter the vehicle’s handling characteristics.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between these two tire sizes, their meanings, and why you do not use 225/55r17 tires instead of 225/65r17.
Can I Use 225/55r17 Instead Of 225/65r17? Comparison Table
Let’s first compare the specs and features of 225/55r17 and 225/65r17 tires:
| Tire Size | Diameter | Width | Sidewall | Revolutions Per Mile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 225/55r17 | 26.7 in | 8.9 in | 4.9 in | 771 |
| 225/65r17 | 28.5 in | 8.9 in | 5.8 in | 732 |
As you can see from the table above, there are significant differences between these two tire sizes. The diameter, sidewall height, and revolutions per mile are all different. These differences can affect your vehicle’s handling, speedometer accuracy, and overall performance.
Meaning of 225/55r17
The first number, 225, represents the width of the tire in millimeters. The second number, 55, represents the aspect ratio, which is the height of the sidewall as a percentage of the width. The “r” stands for radial, which is the type of tire construction, and the last number, 17, represents the diameter of the wheel in inches.
Related Readings:
Meaning of 225/65r17
The first number, 225, represents the tire’s width in millimeters. The second number, 65, represents the aspect ratio, which is the height of the sidewall as a percentage of the width. The “r” stands for radial, which is the type of tire construction, and the last number, 17, represents the diameter of the wheel in inches.
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Difference between 225/55r17 and 225/65r17 tire: Detail
Let’s talk about the 225/55r17 vs 225/65r17 in detail. Here, I’ll discuss the differences between these two tires.
Diameter
The diameter is the first and most noticeable difference between the two tire sizes. The 225/65r17 tire is taller, with a diameter of 28.5 inches, while the 225/55r17 tire has a diameter of 26.7 inches.
The taller tire will have a larger contact patch with the road, providing a better grip, while the shorter tire will offer better maneuverability.
Sidewall
The sidewall height is also different. The 225/65r17 tire has a taller sidewall at 5.8 inches, while the 225/55r17 tire has a shorter sidewall at 4.9 inches. A taller sidewall will provide a smoother ride, absorbing more bumps and impacts from the road.
Revolutions per Mile
Another significant difference between these two tire sizes is the revolutions per mile. The 225/55r17 tire has 771 revolutions per mile, while the 225/65r17 tire has 732 revolutions per mile. This means the speedometer reading will be inaccurate if you use one tire size instead of the other.
4 Reasons Why You Should Not Use 225/55r17 Instead Of 225/65r17
Here are some reasons why:
1. Diameter Differences
The diameter is the first and most significant difference between the two tire sizes. The 225/55r17 tire has a diameter of 26.8 inches, while the 225/65r17 tire has a diameter of 28.5 inches. This means that the 225/55r17 tire is smaller than the 225/65r17 tire by 1.7 inches.
Using a smaller tire can affect the speedometer accuracy, and the vehicle may read faster than what it’s actually going.
2. Sidewall Height
The second difference is the sidewall height. The 225/55r17 tire has a sidewall height of 4.9 inches, while the 225/65r17 tire has a sidewall height of 5.8 inches. The taller sidewall on the 225/65r17 tire can provide more cushioning and absorb more shock when driving over bumps or potholes, providing a more comfortable ride.
Using a smaller tire with a shorter sidewall can result in a harsher ride and less stability on the road.
3. Revolutions Per Mile
The third difference is the number of revolutions per mile. The 225/55r17 tire has 784 revolutions per mile, while the 225/65r17 tire has 739 revolutions per mile. Using a smaller tire with more revolutions per mile can affect the fuel economy and strain the engine and transmission more.
4. Handling and Performance
Lastly, using a different tire size than what the manufacturer recommends can affect your vehicle’s handling and overall performance. It can affect the traction and stability on the road, making it harder to control the vehicle in different weather conditions.
It can also cause uneven wear on the tires and affect the braking distance, which can be dangerous in emergencies.
Wrap Up!
So, Will 225/55r17 fit 225/65r17? Using 225/55r17 instead of 225/65r17 tires is impossible. These two tire sizes have significant differences in diameter, sidewall height, and revolutions per mile, which can affect your vehicle’s handling, speedometer accuracy, and overall performance.
It’s always best to use the tire size the manufacturer recommends for the best performance and safety.
