235 85R16 Vs 255 85R16: The Difference in Tyre Sizes Explained

235 85R16 and 255 85R16 are two different sizes of tire.

235 85R16 Vs 255 85R16

When it comes to tire size, the two most common sizes are the 235/85R16 and 255/85R16. Both of these measurements refer to the width, aspect ratio and wheel diameter of a tire respectively. The difference between them is that the 235/85R16 is narrower than the 255/85R16 tires, meaning that it will produce less drag and have improved fuel economy over its wider counterpart. The 255/85R16, meanwhile, provides more stability in certain conditions such as wet roads and will generally run cooler than the narrower tire. Ultimately, choosing the correct size tire for your vehicle will come down to personal preference on performance and durability; if you’re looking for better gas mileage or increased stability on bad roads, then a 235/85R16 or a 255/85R16 might be a good option for you.

Tyre Size

The tyre size of the 235 85R16 and 255 85R16 are both 16-inch tyres with a radial construction. The 235 85R16 has a section width of 235 millimetres and an aspect ratio of 85 percent, while the 255 85R16 has a section width of 255 millimetres and an aspect ratio of 85 percent.

Load Index & Speed Rating

The load index and speed rating for both tyres is given as ’85’. This means that both tyres are designed to carry a maximum load capacity of 825 kgs at a speed up to 210 km/hr.

Tyre Width

The tyre width measurement for the 235 85R16 is 235 millimetres, while the tyre width measurement for the 255 85R16 is 255 millimetres. The difference in width between these two tyres is 20 millimetres, which can have an effect on handling, cornering ability and fuel economy.

Aspect Ratio

Both the 235 85R16 and 255 85R16 have an aspect ratio of 85 percent. This means that the sidewall height of both tyres is equal to 85 percent of their respective section width measurements.

Rim Diameter

Both the 235 85R16 and 255 85R16 have a rim diameter measurement of 16 inches (406.4 mm). This ensures that they are suitable for fitting on vehicles with 16-inch wheel rims.

Tread Depth & Pattern

The tread depth and pattern of tyres are one of the most important factors to consider when deciding which type of tyre to purchase. The tread depth and pattern affects the grip and control of the vehicle, as well as its fuel efficiency and comfort. The 235 85R16 and 255 85R16 are two different tyre sizes, with different tread depths and patterns.

The 235 85R16 has a tread depth of 8.5mm and a symmetric pattern that is designed for all-season use. This tyre has a shallow tread that provides good grip in wet weather, but also produces more road noise than other tyres. The 255 85R16 has a deeper tread of 10mm, with an asymmetric pattern that is designed for high performance. This tyre provides excellent grip in wet weather but may produce more road noise than other tyres due to its deeper tread.

Grip & Control Ratings

The grip and control ratings of tyres also play an important role in determining which type of tyre is best suited for your vehicle. The grip rating measures how well the tyre grips the road surface while cornering or braking, while the control rating measures how well the tyre handles curves or sudden changes in direction. The 235 85R16 has a grip rating of 7 out 10, while the 255 85R16 has a grip rating of 8 out 10. The control ratings for both tyres are similar at 7 out 10 for the 235 85R16 and 8 out 10 for the 255 85R16.

Fuel Efficiency & Comfort Ratings

Fuel efficiency and comfort are two more important factors to consider when choosing between these two types of tyres. The fuel efficiency rating measures how much energy is needed to move the vehicle from point A to point B, while the comfort rating measures how well it absorbs bumps in the road for added ride comfort. The 235 85R16 has a fuel efficiency rating of 6 out 10, while the 255 85R16 has a slightly higher fuel efficiency rating at 7 out 10. Both tyres have similar comfort ratings at 8 out 10 each, which means they both offer good ride comfort on uneven roads or surfaces with bumps or potholes.

Advantages & Disadvantages Of Size Comparison In Tyres

When considering which type of tyre is best suited for your vehicle, its important to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages associated with each size comparison. Generally speaking, larger tyres (like those found on a 255/85 R16) provide better traction due to their increased contact patch with the ground; however they also tend to be heavier than smaller tyres (like those found on a 235/85 R16), thus resulting in poorer fuel economy due to increased rolling resistance caused by their weight. Additionally larger tyres can be more expensive than smaller ones due to their increased production costs associated with their weightier design features; this cost should be taken into consideration when deciding between these two sizes of tyre sizes for your vehicle needs.

FAQ & Answers

Q: What is the difference between 235 85R16 and 255 85R16 tyres?
A: The main difference between 235 85R16 and 255 85R16 tyres is in the size. The 235 85R16 has a tyre width of 235mm, an aspect ratio of 85%, a rim diameter of 16 inches, and a load index rating of 116. On the other hand, the 255 85R16 has a tyre width of 255mm, an aspect ratio of 85%, a rim diameter of 16 inches, and a load index rating of 121.

Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of using these two tyre sizes?
A: The main advantage of using the larger 255 85R16 tyres is that they provide better grip and control due to their larger contact patch with the road. Additionally, they may also offer better fuel efficiency as well as improved comfort levels for the vehicle. The downside to this larger size, however, is that it can cause more wear on suspension components, as well as increased rolling resistance which can lead to poorer fuel economy in some vehicles.

Q: What is the tread depth & pattern for each tyre size?
A: The tread depth & pattern for 235 85R16 tyres will vary depending on the specific make and model selected. Generally speaking though, these tyres are designed with deeper grooves that provide increased traction in wet weather conditions. As for the 255 85R16 tyres, they tend to have shallower grooves which offer less grip in wet conditions but provide better handling on dry roads.

Q: How do I determine which size tyre I should use?
A: When selecting your tyre size, its important to consider factors such as your vehicles load capacity and intended use (e.g., off-road or highway driving). Additionally, you should also factor in your driving habits (e.g., aggressive or light) as well as any local regulations regarding legal tire sizes for your area or vehicle type before making your decision.

Q: Do both sizes have similar grip & control ratings?
A: Yes, both sizes generally have similar grip & control ratings since they share many common characteristics such as an aspect ratio of 85% and a rim diameter of 16 inches. However, due to their different contact patches with the road surface (i.e., larger for 255 vs smaller for 235), its likely that the 255 will offer slightly more grip & control than its smaller counterpart in certain situations/conditions (e.g., wet roads).

The 255 85R16 tire has a larger overall diameter, meaning it is better suited to heavier loads and off-road applications. The 235 85R16 has a smaller diameter, making it more suitable for lighter loads and on-road applications. Both tires offer improved handling and traction compared to smaller tires, but the 255 85R16 offers more in terms of durability and load capacity.