285/75R16 vs 265/75R16 Comparison | Metric & Inches

Thinking of swapping your tyres but unsure of the compatibility of different sizes?

When it comes to tyres, the dimensions play a vital role in determining their compatibility with your vehicle. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of the differences between 285/75R16 and 265/75R16 sizes and whether they can be interchanged.

Now, let’s dive into the specifics of each tyre size.

Diameter

The 285/75R16 has a diameter of 833.9mm (32.8 inches), while the 265/75R16 has a slightly smaller diameter of 803.9mm (31.6 inches). This is a difference of approximately -3.6% in diameter between the two.

The larger diameter of the 285/75R16 means that it will slightly raise the height of your vehicle when installed, increasing its ground clearance.

As the difference is less than 50mm, 4x4 vehicles can legally upgrade from the smaller size (265) to the larger size (285) according to VSB 14.

Sidewall

The 285/75R16 tyre has a sidewall measuring 213.8mm, whereas the 265/75R16 has a smaller sidewall height of 198.mm. There is a noticeable 7% difference between the two sizes.

Tyres with taller sidewalls, such as the 285/75R16, help absorb road imperfections and impacts, resulting in a smoother driving experience and a more comfortable ride.

The larger sidewall of the 285/75R16 may result in a slightly slower steering response compared to the 265/75R16 tyres. However, this can be beneficial for off-road driving as it allows for better absorption of bumps and obstacles.

Circumference

The circumference of the 285/75R16 tyre is 2,620mm, while the 265/75R16 has a slightly smaller circumference, measuring 2,526mm. The -3.6% difference means that the 285/75R16 has a larger circumference than the 265/75R16.

With the 285/75R16 tyre’s bigger circumference, using it may result in slightly longer braking distances compared to the 265/75R16 size. This is due to the increased surface area in contact with the road, resulting in more friction and resistance.

Revs Per Kilometre & Speedometer Correction

Revolutions per kilometre provide insight into the rotational speed of the tyre and how it relates to the vehicle’s speedometer readings.

The 285/75R16 tyre completes 381.7 revs per kilometre, while the 265/75R16 has 396.0 revolutions in one kilometre. The 3.7% difference means that the 265/75R16 completes more revolutions per kilometre than the 285/75R16.

Due to this difference, the speedometer readings may vary between the two sizes. The 285/75R16 tyre may indicate a slightly lower speed on the speedometer compared to the actual speed, while the 265/75R16 may show a slightly higher speedometer reading.

Swapping from 285/75R to 265/75R16 tyres is possible, but not advisable unless necessary, because of the significant differences in diameter, sidewall, circumference, and revs per kilometre.

It is advisable to stick to the factory tyre size or consult with experts before making any changes to the tyre size.

Note: If your vehicle is a Hilux, Amarok or Prado 150, check out our vehicle specific guides on the largest legal tyre size for your ride.