235 and 245 Tires: An Overview
When shopping for new tires, you may come across the terms 235 and 245 tires. Although they are often considered to be the same type of tire, they actually refer to two different sizes of tires. Understanding the differences between the two can help you make an informed decision when purchasing new tires.
Size
The most obvious difference between 235 and 245 tires is the size. A 235 tire is narrower than a 245 tire, measuring 235 millimeters across the tread. A 245 tire measures 245 millimeters across the tread. This may seem like a minor difference, but the size of the tire can have a big impact on the performance of your vehicle.
Handling
The size of the tire can also affect the handling of your vehicle. A narrower tire, such as a 235 tire, will provide better cornering and steering response. This is because the tire has less contact with the road surface, allowing it to grip the road more easily. However, a narrower tire will also have less traction in wet or icy conditions.
On the other hand, a 245 tire will provide more traction in wet and icy conditions. This is because the wider tire has more contact with the road surface, allowing it to grip more easily. However, a wider tire can also make it more difficult to corner and steer.
Speed Rating
The size of the tire can also affect the speed rating. A 235 tire typically has a speed rating of V or H, while a 245 tire typically has a speed rating of W or Y. Speed ratings are a measure of the maximum speed the tire can handle. A higher speed rating indicates that the tire can safely handle higher speeds.
Cost
The cost of 235 and 245 tires can vary depending on the type of tire and the brand. Generally, 245 tires are more expensive than 235 tires due to the larger size.
Conclusion
When shopping for new tires, it is important to understand the differences between 235 and 245 tires. The size of the tire can have a big impact on the performance of your vehicle, so it is important to choose the right size for your needs. The cost of the tires can also vary depending on the type of tire and the brand, so it is important to compare prices before making a purchase.
235 vs 245 Tire Size
Overall Tire Width
The most obvious difference between 235 and 245 tires is their overall width. The numbers 235 and 245 refer to the tire’s width in millimeters when it is mounted and inflated. The first number, 235, indicates that the tire is 235 mm wide, while the second number, 245, indicates that the tire is 245 mm wide.
Due to their difference in width, the two tires will have different overall diameters. The overall diameter of a tire is the distance from one side of the tire to the other side when the tire is mounted and inflated. When comparing the two tires, a 235 tire will have a smaller overall diameter than a 245 tire. This is due to the difference in width.
Load Index and Speed Rating
The 235 and 245 tires also differ in their load index and speed rating. The load index is a numerical code assigned to a tire indicating its load-carrying capacity. The higher the load index number, the greater the load-carrying capacity of the tire. The speed rating is a code assigned to a tire indicating its maximum speed capability. The higher the speed rating, the faster the tire is capable of going.
When comparing a 235 and 245 tire, the 235 tire typically has a lower load index and speed rating than the 245 tire. This is because the 245 tire is wider and can support more weight, while also having a higher maximum speed capability.
Tire Pressure
The tire pressure of 235 and 245 tires also differ. Tire pressure is the amount of air pressure in a tire when it is mounted and inflated. The recommended tire pressure is typically listed on the sidewall of the tire.
The tire pressure of a 235 tire will typically be lower than that of a 245 tire. This is because the 245 tire is wider, so it needs more air pressure to support the additional weight. Therefore, when mounting and inflating a 235 or 245 tire, it is important to adhere to the recommended tire pressure listed on the sidewall.