Due to the numerous parts that make up a car, our cars are like a puzzle. However, one of the essential parts of our cars is the tires.
If you drive a car, you must understand the fundamentals of tires to choose tires that are compatible with and appropriate for your vehicle. To determine which tire is best for you, you must also be aware of the sizes of your tires.
In line with that, this article is meant to enlighten you on tire sizes. Therefore, this article will discuss the differences between 225 and 255 tires.
225 vs. 255 Tire: Quick Comparison
You could ask what the advantages of choosing 225 and 255 tires are when buying new tires. Will the size difference, for instance, affect how your car handles? What should you choose if you want to get better gas mileage? What about when it comes to driving in the snow or when off-roading?
The main difference between the 225 and the 255 tires is the width of the tires. Tire width refers to the measurement from one sidewall to another.
225 indicates the tire has a width of 225 millimeters. On the other hand, a 255 tire has a width of 255 millimeters. To help you understand the differences between the 225 and 255 tires, we will compare the two most common tires, the 225/50R17 and 255/75R17.
| Features | 225/75R17 | 255/75R17 | Difference |
| Diameter | 30.3 inches | 32.06 | -2.36 inches |
| Width | 8.86 inches | 10.04 inches | -1.18 inches |
| Sidewall height | 6.65 inches | 7.53 inches | -0.88 inches |
| Construction | Radial | radial | _ |
| Rim size | 17 inches | 17 inches | 0 inches |
| Circumference | 95.1 inches | 100.72 inches | -5.6 inches |
| Revs per mile | 666 | 629 | +37 |
| Aspect ratio | 75 | 75 | _ |
Tire Width
The 225 is 225 millimeters wide, and the 255 is 255 millimeters wide. The 30-millimeter width difference may not seem much, but it can significantly impact your car’s handling. Wider tires are better at handling corners at high speeds and have more grip on the road.
Additionally, they typically degrade more evenly, which can cost you less money over time. Wider tires aren’t always the most excellent option, though. They may reduce the comfort of your ride and increase fuel consumption.
Narrower tires might be a better option if you live in a region with a lot of snow or mud because they will offer better traction.
Aspect Ratio
A tire’s aspect ratio is the percentage of its height divided by its section width. In this instance, the 225’s height is 75% of its width, meaning 168.75 millimeters, and the 255’s height is 75% of its width, equal to 191.25 millimeters.
The difference in height is not as huge as that in width. However, it might still have an impact on how your car handles.
Tire Construction
The type of tire construction is very critical when selecting tires for your car. Tires 225 75r17 and 255 75r17 are both radial tires.
The most popular tire on the market, radial tires, are renowned for their extensive tread life. Additionally, they are more resilient to heat buildup, which can result in early tire failure.
Rim Size
The rim size should be another factor to consider when deciding between these two sizes. The 225 75r17 tires and the 255 75r17 tires are made to fit 17-inch wheels.
You can select either size if your car has 17-inch wheels. To verify the rim size, consult your car’s manual, if necessary.
Circumference
The circumference is another factor to consider when deciding between 225 75r17 and 255 75r17 tires. The tire’s circumference is the measurement around one side of a tire. The 225’s circumference measures 95.1 inches, while the 255’s measures 100.72 inches.
The circumference difference between the two tires is less than 6 inches. This is important to consider because a greater circumference will increase rolling resistance. This implies that your car will require more fuel to maintain the same speed.
Miles Per Revolution
The number of times a tire rotates in a mile is known as revolution per mile. Your car will use more fuel with the higher RPM. The 225 75r17 operates at 666 RPM, whereas the 255 75r17 operates at 629 RPM. Therefore, the 225 will make a few more rotations in a mile than the 255.
225 vs. 255 Tires: Which one is Better
As stated earlier, the difference between the 225 and 255 tires is in their width. The 255 tires are 30 millimeter wider than the 225 tires.
Selecting which tire is better will depend primarily on what you want. If you are looking for a tire that offers you more grip on the road, handles corners well at high speeds, and wears more evenly, the 255 tires are the best bet.
The 225 tires are a better option if you are concerned about your road comfort and fuel economy. They are also better than 255 if you live in snowy or muddy areas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are 225 and 255 Tires Interchangeable?
The 225 and 255 tires can be interchanged, but this is not always recommended. It is always a good idea to consult your user manual and follow expert advice.
Can I swap out my 255 tires for 235 ones?
Best Response. Simply said, NO. The 255-width tire was intended for the car, and using a tire that is 20 mm narrower will result in significant reductions in highway traction.
Do Wider Tires Offer More Grip than Narrow Tires?
Both varieties have advantages in terms of safety: Wider tires have better traction than narrow ones on a dry road, but they also increase the risk of aquaplaning. On the other hand, narrow tires perform better in harsh circumstances since they exert more surface pressure against the road in the winter.
Can I Use My Stock Rims with Bigger Tires?
On the original rim, installing a tire up to 20 millimeters wider than stock is generally safe.
Are Wider Tires More Likely to Hydroplane?
A tire with a wider footprint will often hydroplane more than one with narrow ones, with all other things equal.
Conclusion
We hope this article helped you understand the differences between 225 and 255 tires.
The choice between these two sizes ultimately comes down to your driving requirements and preferences. Regardless of the size you pick, be sure to obtain the right rim size for your car.