Having adequate and necessary information about tire sizes and types is empirical for road or road-related activities and ventures. Good tires will give your vehicle a better contact patch and more horsepower. That is important for the safety, comfort, and good performance of your automobile.
When you are in the market, you might be looking for better tires that can achieve all these, and it might be difficult to select the best. There are so many different tire sizes and widths available that it may seem impossible for you to narrow down your options.
For your better understanding and right decision making, let us discuss the 50- Inch and the 55-inch tires, which can potentially be the best option for your vehicle.
50-inch Vs 55-inch tire Comparison
Both 50-inch and 55-inch tire sizes are durable and provide optimal performance based on their capabilities.
The 50-inch tires, which measure about 117.5 mm in width, have wide enough treads. The sidewall is 50% the width. They are also massive, pretty well executed, and they are bumper fab hence devoid of bumpers and highly protective.
An aspect ratio (AR) of 50 means a section measuring 459 mm (117.5 inches) wide for every 100 mm tall or 3 inches high, which equates to a ratio of about 1:2.
On the other hand, the 55-inch tires have lots of sidewalls and are more stable than the 50-inch tires due to their lower sidewalls which ensures a better contact patch. Their section height and width is only about 1:1:7.
These tires are made of materials suitable for trucks and pickups. The material will supply you with road consistency, making it ideal for off-road settings.
The table below contains the different features for the 50-inch and 55-inch tires.
| Specifications | 50-Inch Tires | 55-Inch Tires |
| Average weight | 27 pounds | 80 pounds |
| Section width | 4.62 inches | 5.08 inches |
| Height | 117.5 mm | 129 mm |
| Rim diameter | 16 inches | 13-24 inches |
| Tread depth | 10/32 | 12/32 |
| Style | Mud Terrain / All-Terrain. | Mud and snow, Discover STT Pro, M/T |
| Aspect ratio | 1:2 | 1:1:7 |
| Load index rating | 80-87 | 91 |
| Construction | Radial | Radial |
| Speed rating | T or U | U |
| Price | $20 to 50 | $50 to above $100 |
| Top 3 brands | Firestone, Falken, Hankook | Falken, Firestone, Michelin |
| Top Picks | Firestone FT140 205/55-16 89H Falken 155/90-16 110M Tires Hankook Eco 175/65-15 84H | Falken SN250A A/S 165/65-14 79S Firestone FT140 195/65-15 91S Tire Michelin 4 275/40-20 XL |
The 50-Inch Tires
Tread Design: The tread depth for these tires is 10/32, which is considered strong. That applies to all roads and with a multi-purpose function.
Construction: The 50-inch tires constitute the radial type of construction to ensure high stability on all roads and terrains.
Rim Diameter: The rim diameter of the 50-inch tire is 16 inches. Most vehicles have tire sizes that range from 13-inches to 18- inches. In addition, the customized wheels are approximately 22- inches or larger.
Aspect ratio: They have a 1:2 aspect ratio. Aspect ratio measurement of any tire is always elaborated in the form of a percentage. It gives an insight about the tire’s length from the thread’s top to bead. Therefore, the 50-inch thread implies that the height of the tire falls at 50% that of the width.
Width: The 50-inch tire has a width range of 4.62 inches to increase the tire’s contact patch, improving its stability.
Pros
- They are highly durable and hence last longer.
- They have greater stability
- They are cheap to purchase.
Cons
- They are heavy.
- Due to their large size, they are less flexible.
Check Out Today’s Best Deals on 50-inch Tires
Firestone FT140 205/55-16 89H Tires
Falken FK-090 155/90-16 110M Tires
Hankook Kinergy Eco 175/65-15 84H
55-inch tires
Tread Design: The tread depth for the 55-inch tire is about 12/32. These tires feature a robust open tread design with high grip and stability.
Additionally, the tread design ensures self-cleaning in mud journeys and snowy seasons- it’s very interesting.
Sidewall Design: The sidewall design of this tire is outstanding. It is created to ensure proper off-road rock and sand traction. In addition, it also enhances on-road stability and functionality. That is why they can perform well in mud.
Construction: Radial design is used in constructing these tires; hence, they are suitable for all kinds of terrains.
Rim Diameter: The 55-inch tires can be used with rims of 13-24 inches.
Aspect Ratio: The 55-inches tires have an aspect ratio of 1:1:7.
Width: These tires have a minimum section width of 5.08 inches. This width size increases the ground contact, thus ensuring easy handling and maneuverability of the vehicle.
Pros
- High grip
- It does not cause any road noise
- Flexibility
Cons
- Huge
- Very large
Check Out Today’s Best Deals on 55-inch Tires
Falken Sincera SN250A A/S 165/65-14 79S
Firestone FT140 195/65-15 91S Tire
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 275/40-20 XL (106Y)
Importance’s of Wheel Diameter, Aspect Ratio and Tire construction
Aspect ratio is an important entity when it comes to sizing calculation for tire fitting. Consider checking aspect ratio when you’ve the wheel diameter plus the tire combinations.
A low aspect ratio usually means that the tire is able to offer high-performance and excellent lateral stability.
New tires that you come across in most scenarios are marked with letter R to mean radial construction. On the other hand, the D and B designation are typically seen.
It’s important to choose the manufacturer’s recommended tire specification. That plays a significant role to assure you of safety and satisfactory tire performance. Quality is important when buying a reliable tire.
The 50-inch tires can perform well in mud and all-terrain grounds and most other roads, while the 55-inch tires are also applicable in all seasons, including the muddy and snowy seasons, on rocky and oozy roads.
Conclusion
The vehicle’s tires are more than just an accessory. They are integral to the performance of the vehicle. Not all tires can perform well in all seasons.
For instance, the 55-inch tires can do well in snowy seasons and rocky surfaces, while the 50-inch tires are recommended for all-terrain and muddy seasons.
Many people do not understand how to choose the right tire for their cars, nor do they know how to interpret the manufacturers’ guidelines on the tires. This task is often left for engineers and other experts in this field.
Therefore, finding the right tire for your car can provide comfort, safety and excellent performance.