225/60/16 tires – All you need to know

You’ve seen them on a shiny new car parked in the street, a friend’s driveway, or maybe you’re thinking about buying a set for your own ride. They look beefy and they make your vehicle look tough as hell but what do those numbers mean?

It doesn’t matter if you have a front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive car, what you need to know is that those numbers translate into width, aspect ratio, and rim size.

1. Width: The first number (225) tells us the tire’s width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall (tires are typically inflated to 40psi). If you’re running stock wheels it’s best to stay within the same number or go down. Going up in width can cause rubbing depending on your suspension and body modifications, so if you want a bigger look without problems, get wheels with a smaller offset.

2. Aspect ratio: The second number (60) is the tire’s profile from sidewall to tread expressed as a percentage. In this case, that means the sidewall is 60% as tall as the tire is wide (so a 225/60/16 would be about 36″ tall).

3. Rim size: The last number (16) refers to your wheel’s diameter and width in inches and should never be larger than the first two numbers.

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If you’re still confused, you can look at the numbers this way. The first number (the width expressed in millimeters) multiplied by the second number (profile expressed as a percentage) will give you the aspect ratio. For example, if your tires are 225mm wide and 60% tall, multiplying those two numbers will give you 138, which is your aspect ratio.

Now that you have the tire’s width, profile, and aspect ratio you’ll need to get wheels that are compatible with those measurements. To do this simply divide your aspect ratio by the wheel’s offset (there are several calculators online for this) and vice versa if you already have new wheels.

Also Read: How To Change Car Tires At Home

Once you have your numbers work with your wheel and tire retailer to get the right fit.

225/60/16 tires look great and in addition to their beefy appearance, they make it easier for you to navigate tough terrains like steep driveways and rough roads. If you think these tires might be right for you, keep this numerical breakdown in mind and discuss it with your wheel and tire retailer. If you need more information, contact a top-rated installer like one from YourMechanic to help you find the right set of tires for your vehicle.

225 60 16 tires will typically fit on a stock rim depending on your tire size. 225mm is a little wide but it can usually fit without rubbing, you may have to roll the lip of the fender a little bit though, and they do make a bit of noise on bumps and cracks in the road. As they are taller, there is a good chance that you will have to roll your fenders a little bit more or adjust your suspension geometry. The offset most likely won’t be ideal for a lowered car but will fit fine stock height.

Here is a list of top performance 225/60/16 tyres according to customer reviews:

• Bridgestone Blizzak W810
• Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7
• Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
• Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
• Bridgestone Turanza GR90 

Here is a list of low-performance 225/60/16 tyres according to customer reviews:

• Wanli S1088 
• Primewell VALERA TOURING
• Falken ZE512
• Primewell PS830
• Pirelli P6000

Dry grip

225/60/16 tires are some of the most popular sizes on the road today and for good reason. They provide a great balance of looks, performance, and comfort. When it comes to dry grip, these tires perform extremely well in all weather conditions. The rubber compound used in their construction provides superior traction and handling, making them perfect for daily driving or weekend racing.

Wet Grip

225/60/16 tires tend to hydroplane easily in wet weather. This is due to their wide width and tall profile. While they provide good grip in dry conditions, they are not as stable on wet roads. Even the best tires will lose performance when driving through standing water, so be careful during heavy rains.

Snow Grip

225/60/16 tires provide decent snow grip in most weather conditions. While their tall profile can have some issues with traction when starting off on deep snow or gravel roads, they perform well in most cases. They are not ideal for very low temperatures, however, and ice can be a problem. Although these tires will get you through harsh winter weather, they should not be your primary set for deep snow or cold climates.

Fuel Efficiency

Taller and wider than other tire sizes, 225/60/16 tires tend to have slightly worse fuel efficiency than smaller options. The increased weight of these tires can cause lower acceleration rates and higher gasoline usage. For most drivers, however, this is a worthwhile sacrifice for the exceptional performance they provide on the road.

Handling

Due to their larger size, they do not handle as well as smaller options. They are known for making the steering heavier and slightly decreasing vehicle responsiveness. While this is a problem for some drivers, others appreciate the stability these tires provide on rough terrain.

225/60/16 Feedback & comfort

People who bought these tires love the durability and gripping power they provide on the road. A couple of users may have had issues with fuel efficiency, but this is not a common concern among buyers. They are suitable for daily driving as well as weekend racing, even in colder climates where ice can be an issue. The main downside is their larger size, which can lead to some steering and handling issues.

225/60/16 Review Highlights

• The best time to buy tires is over the summer when prices are lower.
• The closer you are to stock tire sizes, the better grip and handling your car will have.
• Most people get 225/60/16s for their BMW’s because they fit well with most offsets of wheels, look great on all body styles, and provide good all-weather performance.
• 225/60/16 tires are great for daily driving, even in colder climates where ice can be an issue.
• The design of the tire affects how it handles on roads, increases or decreases responsiveness, and affects fuel efficiency.
• Keep your car tuned up by getting regular checkups from a mechanic.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for new rubbers that offers excellent grip in all weather conditions, then 225/60/16 tires are a great choice. While they perform poorly on ice and may be a bit of a hassle in extremely snowy areas, these tires can handle just about anything else you throw at them. Higher speeds and excellent durability make this one of the more popular tire sizes available today.