You’re driving along and notice that one of your tires is looking a little low. You stop to check it out and see that it’s a 285/75R16. But what does that mean? Find out here.
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Introduction
One of the most common questions we get here at Terry’s Tire Town is “What size tire is a 285?” There are a couple of different ways to answer this question, so we’ll start with the most simple answer and then get into a little more detail.
The answer to the question “what size tire is a 285” is that a 285 tire is a 33-inch diameter tire. That’s about as simple as it gets! But, of course, there are always more details to consider. If you’re looking for a little more information, read on.
What size tire is a 285?
A 285 tire is a wide tire that is often used on trucks and SUVs. The 285 tire size is less common than other sizes, but it is still a popular choice for many drivers. The 285 tire size is typically wider than a standard passenger tire and may be a good choice for drivers who are looking for a wider tire.
Standard Sizes
There are a few different ways that tire manufacturers label their tires. In addition to285/75R17, you might also see this size written as 285/75/17 or 28575R17. The R in this case stands for radial construction, while the 17 is the diameter of the wheel rim in inches.
The first number in this string of numbers, 285, is the width of the tire in millimeters. To convert millimeters to inches, divide by 25.4. This means that a 285mm tire is approximately 11.2 inches wide.
The second number, 75, is called the aspect ratio. It’s a percentage of the width of the tire; in this case, it’s 75%, or 3/4ths of 11.2 inches, or 8.4 inches. This is the height of the sidewall (from rim to tread) when mounted on a wheel; it doesn’t include the thickness of the wheel itself.
The third number, 17, is simply the diameter of the wheel that this tire is meant to be mounted on; in other words, it’s an 17-inch rim. You might see this number expressed as a decimal; for example, a 16-inch wheel would be expressed as 16.5 or 165mm tall
Plus Sizes
A 285 is a plus size. Plus sized tires are generally any tire that is wider than a 275, and they usually range up to about 305 in width. There are a few companies that make tires even wider than that, but they are not as common.
Conclusion
AlthoughPlus-sizing your tires is one way to improve both the looks and the performance of your vehicle, it’s important to do your research before making any purchase. In order to make sure you don’t accidentally buy tires that are too small or too big for your car, it’s always best to consult your owner’s manual or a tire professional. With a little bit of effort, you can find the perfect set of tires for your ride.
