275/60R20 vs 275/55R20 Tire

If you’re in the market for new tires, you may be wondering what the difference is between a 275/60R20 and a 275/55R20. Both of these sizes are popular choices for drivers, but they do have some key differences. In this blog post, we will break down exactly what those differences are and help you decide which size is right for you.

275/60R20 vs 275/55R20 Tire

We’ll take a closer look at both sizes and help you decide which is right for you.

What Does 275/60R20 Mean?

The numbers and letters in a tire size indicate the width, height, and diameter of the tire. The first number in a 275/60R20, for example, indicates that the tire has a width of 275 millimeters. The second number (60) is the height of the sidewall or aspect ratio.

This is expressed as a percentage of the width, so the height of this sidewall is 60% of 275 millimeters. The R in this size indicates that it is a radial tire. The final number (20) is the diameter of the wheel that the tire can be mounted on. In this case, it would be a 20-inch diameter wheel.

Now let’s take a look at the 275/60R20.

• Diameter 33 inch
• Width 10.8 inch
• Sidewall 6.5 inch
• Circum. 103.6 inch
• Revs/Mile 612

What Does 275/55R20 Mean?

The numbers and letters in a tire size indicate the width, height, and diameter of the tire. The first number in a 275/55R20, for example, indicates that the tire has a width of 275 millimeters. The second number (55) is the height of the sidewall or aspect ratio.

This is expressed as a percentage of the width, so the height of this sidewall is 55% of 275 millimeters. The R in this size indicates that it is a radial tire. The final number (20) is the diameter of the wheel that the tire can be mounted on. In this case, it would be a 20-inch diameter wheel.

Now let’s take a look at the 275/55R20.

• Diameter 31.9 inch
• Width 10.8 inch
• Sidewall 6 inch
• Circum. 100.2 inch
• Revs/Mile 632

Diameter

The first thing you’ll notice is that the 275/55R20 has a slightly smaller diameter than the 275/60R20. That means it will be mounted on a smaller wheel. This can have some benefits, such as improved handling and a more comfortable ride. It can also lead to better fuel economy since there will be less rolling resistance.

However, the smaller size can also have some drawbacks. The most obvious is that you’ll have less contact with the ground, which can be a problem in off-road driving or deep snow. You may also find that your top speed is limited since the tires will need to spin faster to cover the same distance as a larger tire.

Width

The width of a tire affects the grip, handling, and stability of the vehicle. A wider tire will provide more traction and stability, while a narrower tire will be lighter and easier to handle. The width of a 275/60R20 is about average for a passenger car tire, while the width of a 275/55R20 is on the narrower side. Both tire 275/60R20 and 275/60R20 tire width is 10.8 inches.

Narrower tires can be an advantage if you’re looking to improve your fuel economy or if you live in an area with a lot of snow. That’s because they tend to cut through the snow more easily and have less rolling resistance.

Wider tires, on the other hand, will provide better grip in dry conditions and help you keep control of your vehicle in high winds. They can also make your car look more aggressive and stylish.

Aspect Ratio

The aspect ratio of a tire is the height of the sidewall expressed as a percentage of the width. In other words, it’s the height of the tire from the rim to the tread divided by the width of the tire. For example, a 275/60R20 has an aspect ratio of 60%. That means the sidewall is 60% as tall as the tire is wide. The 275/55R20 has an aspect ratio of 55%.

A smaller aspect ratio (like 55%) will result in a tire with a shorter sidewall. That means the tire will have less cushioning and be more responsive to bumps. It can also give the vehicle a lower profile and a more aggressive look.

A higher aspect ratio (like 60%) will result in a tire with a taller sidewall. That means the tire will have more cushioning and be less responsive to bumps. It can also give the vehicle a higher profile and a more comfortable ride.

Rim Size

The final number in a tire size is the diameter of the wheel that the tire can be mounted on. In our example, both the 275/60R20 and the 275/55R20 can be mounted on a 20-inch diameter wheel.

This is important to know because you need to make sure you get the right size tire for your wheel. If you put a 20-inch tire on an 18-inch wheel, for example, it will stick out of the wheel well and could rub against the body of the car.

Revolutions Per Mile

The number of revolutions per mile (or RPM) is a measure of how fast the tire will spin. The higher the number, the faster the tire will spin. In our example, the 275/60R20 has an RPM of 612, while the 275/55R20 has an RPM of 632.

This can be important to know if you’re looking to improve your fuel economy. A tire with a lower RPM will need less energy to spin, which means it will use less fuel.

Conclusion

The main difference between 275/60R20 and 275/55R20 tires is the size. The 275/60R20 is a bit wider and has a taller sidewall, while the 275/55R20 is narrower and has a shorter sidewall. Both tires can be mounted on a 20-inch diameter wheel.

Also another important difference between 275/60R20 and 275/55R20 tires in Diameter. The first one is 33 inches and the second one is 31.9 inches. If you’re not sure which width is right for you, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional. They can help you choose the right size based on your driving needs.

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