Tire Ratio: The Comprehensive Guide (2022)

This is the comprehensive guide to tire ratio.

If you’re like most drivers, you probably think of your tires in terms of their size. You might know that a 205/55R16 tire is larger than a 175/65R14 tire, for example. But what about the ratio? What does that mean? And how does it affect your driving? Here’s everything you need to know about tire ratio.

What Is Tire Ratio?

Tire ratio is the relationship between the tire’s width and its height. The width is measured in millimeters (mm), while the height is measured in percentage (%) of the width.

So, a 205/55R16 tire has a width of 205 mm and a height of 55% of the width, or 113 mm.

What is Aspect Ratio?

The aspect ratio is the height of the tire’s sidewall expressed as a percentage of the width.

In other words, it’s the ratio of the sidewall height to the tire width. For example, a 50-series tire has an aspect ratio of 50%. That means that the sidewall is 50% as tall as the tire is wide.

The aspect ratio is important because

  1. it it affects the tire’s shape.
  2. it influences the tire’s ride comfort and performance.

A lower aspect ratio (45 or less) results in a shorter, wider tire that offers better traction and handling but a rougher ride.

A higher aspect ratio (70 or above) results in a taller, narrower tire that provides a smoother ride but may not perform as well in corners.

What Does the “R” Mean?

The “R” in a tire’s size designation stands for “radial.” Radial tires are the most common type of passenger vehicle tire, and they’ve been used since the 1970s. Most passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks come equipped with radial tires from the factory.

The “R” designation is important because it signifies that the tire has a radial ply construction. Radial tires are made with plies that run perpendicular to the direction of travel. This gives them superior strength and durability compared to bias-ply tires.

What is Tire Width?

Tire width is the width of the tire from one sidewall to the other. It’s measured in millimeters (mm).

For example, a 205/55R16 tire has a width of 205 mm.

What is Tire Height?

Tire height is the height of the tire from its bead seat to its tread. It is measured as a ratio and is expressed as a percentage of the tires width.

For example, a 205/55R16 tire means that the sidewall is 55% of 205mm, making the sidewall 113mm or 4.44 inches.

What is Tire Diameter?

Tire diameter is the diameter of the wheel onto which the tire is designed to be fit to. It’s also measured in inches.

For example, a 205/55R16 tire has a diameter of 16 inches.

What is the Difference Between Width and Height?

Width is the distance from one sidewall to the other, while height is the distance from the bead seat to the tread. The width is measured in millimeters (mm), while the height is measured in percentage (%) of the width.

So, a 205/55R16 tire has a width of 205 mm and a height of 55% of the width, or 113 mm.

How Does Tire Ratio Affect My Driving?

Tire ratio affects your driving in several ways. First, it determines the shape of the tire. A higher aspect ratio (70 or above) results in a taller, narrower tire that provides a smoother ride but may not perform as well in corners.

A lower aspect ratio (45 or less) results in a shorter, wider tire that offers better traction and handling but a rougher ride.

Second, tire ratio affects the tire’s diameter. The diameter is the side of the wheel onto which the tire has to fit. A larger diameter measn that the tire is meant to vehicles with large wheels. This means that they usually provides better ground clearance and a smoother ride.

However, depending on the height of the tire, the tire can also be designed for performance cars with a very small sidewall and a very large wheel, ideal for high performance.

Finally, tire ratio affects the tire’s width. The width is the distance from one side of the tread to the other, measured in millimeters (mm). A wider tire offers better traction and stability, while a narrower tire is more maneuverable.

What is the Best Tire Ratio for My Car?

The best tire ratio for your car depends on your driving needs.

If you want a smooth ride and good fuel economy, choose a higher aspect ratio (70 or above). If you want better handling and traction, choose a lower aspect ratio (45 or less). If you’re not sure, ask your local tire dealer for help.

When shopping for tires, be sure to check the sidewall for the following information:

  • Tire width
  • Tire height
  • Tire diameter
  • Aspect ratio
  • Load index
  • Speed rating

This information will help you choose the right tires for your car.

How Does Tire Ratio Affect Driving Speed? 

Tire ratio affects driving speed by determining the size and shape of the tire. A taller, narrower tire will result in a slower driving speed, while a shorter, wider tire will provide a faster driving speed.

Additionally, a larger diameter tire will result in a slower driving speed, while a smaller diameter tire will provide a faster driving speed.

How Does Tire Ratio Affect My Car’s Fuel Economy?

Tire ratio affects your car’s fuel economy in two ways.

First, it determines the shape of the tire. A taller, narrower tire has less contact with the road and requires less energy to move. A shorter, wider tire has more contact with the road and requires more energy to move.

Second, tire ratio affects the tire’s diameter. A larger diameter usually results in a taller tire that rolls more easily and requires less energy to move. A smaller diameter results in a shorter tire that doesn’t roll as easily and requires more energy to move.

In general, a higher aspect ratio (70 or above) results in better fuel economy. A lower aspect ratio (45 or less) results in worse fuel economy.

What Happens If I Use A Different Aspect Ratio On My Vehicle?

If you use a different aspect ratio on your vehicle, it may affect the way your car drives.

A taller, narrower tire may result in a slower driving speed and worse fuel economy. A shorter, wider tire may provide a faster driving speed and better traction but worse fuel economy.

Additionally, a larger diameter tire will normally result in a taller tire that rolls more easily and requires less energy to move. A smaller diameter tire will provide better maneuverability but may not roll as easily and could require more energy to move.

Can I Change The Size Of the Tire on My Vehicle?

You can change the size of the tire on your vehicle as long as it is the same diameter as your wheel and the width is close to the width of your wheels rim.

If you change to a different size of tire, the vehicle’s speedometer and odometer may be slightly off.

For example, if you have a P215/70R15 tire on your vehicle and you want to change to a P235/75R15 tire, the speedometer will read about six percent higher than actual speed and the odometer will record about six percent fewer miles.

If you are unsure what size tires your vehicle can take, consult the owner’s manual or ask a professional at a tire shop.

A rule of thumb is that you can usually go up or down one size without affecting the speedometer or odometer too much. Going for a tire with any less width is sometimes seen in the stretch tire car scene.

Other Factors When Choosing Tires

While the size of the tire does matter, it is not the only factor you should consider when choosing tires. The load rating and speed rating are also important factors to consider.

The load rating is how much weight the tire can support. The speed rating is how fast you can go on the tire.

You can usually find these ratings on the side of the tire. For example, a P215/70R15 tire has a load rating of 97 and a speed rating of T (118 mph).

The load rating is important because you do not want to overload your tires. The speed rating is important because if you go too fast on a tire with a low speed rating, the tire could blow out.

Keep in mind that the load rating and speed rating are not the same as the weight and speed limit of your vehicle.

The weight and speed limit of your vehicle are determined by the manufacturer and are usually lower than the load rating and speed rating of the tires.

When Should I Replace My Tires?

You should replace your tires when they get too worn down or if you get a flat. You can usually tell when your tires are getting too worn down because the tread will start to wear down.

If you live in an area with a lot of rain or snow, you might want to replace your tires more often because the tread will wear down faster or have a spare set of winter tires ready.

A good rule of thumb is to replace your tires every 50,000 miles. Of course, this varies depending on how often you drive and what type of roads you drive on.

If you are unsure when to replace your tires, ask a professional at a tire shop.

Summary

There you have it, everything you need to know about tire ratio! Now you’re set up perfectly for choosing your new set of tires.

We hope this article was helpful in your search for your next tire purchase. If you have any questions then please leave a comment below or get in touch via email or through social media and we will get back to you. Thanks for reading!

If you’re looking for the best price on Goodyear tires, then check out our exclusive discount link for up to $250 off your next order!

1 thought on “Tire Ratio: The Comprehensive Guide (2022)”

  1. My brother bought a used car last week and is working hard to upgrade it, so he’s interested in buying new tires too. That’s why I think he’d be glad to read your information about changing the size of your tires as long as they match your wheel’s diameter. I’ll share this with my brother before he buys new tires.

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