275/60R20 Vs 275/65R20 Size Tire: What is the Difference?

If you are planning on switching 275 60R20 with 275 65R20, then don’t rush. We are about to show a back to back comparison between 275 60R20 and 275 65R20 today.

It’s a general curiosity to learn about tires so you can get the perfect one for your car. Although most aspects of the tire are easy to figure out, the tire size indicator is difficult to understand because it is a combination of many numbers and letters.

In this article, we are going to explain which tires would be suitable for your car between 275 60R20 and 275 65R20 by comparing every potential aspect. The comparison will also help you understand the tire size index. So, stay tuned with us.

275/60R20 vs 275/65R20: Everything You Need to Know

In short, 275 60R20 is the new version of the 275 65R20 tire size. So, there won’t be too much difference between these two tires. Along with a detailed comparison chart, we will be breaking 275 60R20 vs 275 65R20 into parts. Why?

Because the index usually indicates 4 aspects of the tire size. If we break down tire index 275 60R20, we will find – 

• 275 stands for – Tire width in meters
• 60 stands for – The aspect ratio of height/width
• R stands for – Construction type
• 20 stands for – Rim diameter in inches

To know more about the tire size index, read the article on  the difference between 285 70R17 and 285 75R17

Width

There is no difference in the width of these two tire sizes because both tires have the same first digit in their tire size index, which is 275. This means that both tires are 275 millimeters wide.

The width of the tire is measured in millimeters from the sidewall to the sidewall. The first three digits of the tire size refer to the width of the tire. For example, in the form of 275 60R20 tires, the width is 275 millimeters. These are measured directly by the manufacturer. So, they are 100% accurate measurements.

Between the 275 60R20 and 275 65R20, you can install any tire on the rim of your car, especially when the width is the only concern. But there are other measurements to rely on for the perfect fit for your car. For this, you have to look at other aspects as well.

Aspect Ratio

When we compare 275 60R20 and 275 65R20 in the aspect ratio, we can find a significant difference. The 275 60R20 has an aspect ratio of 60 and the 275 65R20 has an aspect ratio of 65 when we compare the tire size index. Thus, the difference between these two tires in terms of aspect ratio is 5.

The aspect ratio of tire size is distributed in percent. Therefore, the aspect ratio of 60 defines the height of the tire as 60% of its width. And the same goes for 65.

Typically, tire manufacturers divide the height by the width of the tire to measure the aspect ratio. Only the difference in this type of proportions can have a significant effect on tire compatibility even if the other factors won’t fluctuate.

Construction Type

The construction type is another important term in the tire size index. It determines the handling properties of the tires as well as how the tires were assembled.

Since both 275 60R20 and 275 65R20 have the letter ‘R’ on the sidewalls, one can assume that the construction type is the same for both tires. Here ‘R’ means “Radial Construction”, which means the tires are of radial type. 

Radial type tires have a sophisticated construction with square footprints. And there is a tire cord extension from one bead to another bead at a 90 degree angle. However, there are other letters like ‘B’ that can be seen on the sidewalls of tires indicating different characteristics than the radial type tires.

• R – Indicates the tire is a radial type
• B – Indicates the tire is a bias ply (aka cross ply) type  

Rim Diameter

The last digit of both 275 60R20 and 275 65R20 is 20. Thus, there is no difference between these two tires in terms of rim diameter. As a result, any one of these tires would fit with a 20-inch diameter rim.

Rim diameter is usually measured in inches. This is the width of the tire opening where it will be fitted to a wheel. It is measured by opening from one bead to the other side of the same bead. There is also another term “Effective Rim Diameter” or ERD that is needed to calculate the spoke length of the rim accurately.

Summing Up With A Detailed Comparison Table – Tire Size 275/60R20 vs 275/65R20

To wrap things up and get a quick overview, we think a detailed comparison table of 275 60R20 vs 275 65R20 is really important. The table will also help you to decide whether or not switching tires would be ideal for you. 

Considering all the data from the 275 60R20 vs 275 65R20 comparison table, we can notice a change in clearance of 0.6 inches and a change of diameter of 3.3%; which is more than 3%. So, there is substantial risk in changing from tire 275 60R20 to 275 65R20.

The following 2 pictures will show a comparison of 275 60R20 and 275 65R20 from front and side.

Final Words

At the end of this article, we have explained 275 60R20 vs 275 65R20 in every possible way. Now, it is up to you to decide if you are going to switch your tire. We believe we gave you ideas about the important aspects of the tire size as well. So, you should be aware of what happens if there is a minor change in the tire size. Also, you are now confident enough to choose the right size of tire for your vehicle. As always, thanks for reading this article.

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