165/70R13 vs 175/55R15

175/55R15 is 0.48 in (12.3 mm) taller than 165/70R13, a +2.19% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 165/70R13, an indicated 60 mph is 61.3 mph on 175/55R15.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +2.19%: within the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 175/55R15 falls inside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 165/70R13. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

To-scale drawing: 165/70R13 (22.09 in) vs 175/55R15 (22.58 in)165/70R1322.09 in × 6.50 in175/55R1522.58 in × 6.89 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
165/70R13 vs 175/55R15 differences
Measurement165/70R13175/55R15Difference% diff
Overall diameter22.09 in (561.2 mm)22.58 in (573.5 mm)+0.48 in (+12.3 mm)+2.19%
Sidewall height4.55 in (115.5 mm)3.79 in (96.3 mm)−0.76 in (−19.2 mm)−16.67%
Section width6.50 in (165.0 mm)6.89 in (175.0 mm)+0.39 in (+10.0 mm)+6.06%
Circumference69.41 in (1,763.1 mm)70.93 in (1,801.7 mm)+1.52 in (+38.6 mm)+2.19%
Revolutions per mile913893−20−2.14%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 165/70R13
IndicatedActual on 165/70R13Actual on 175/55R15Difference
30 mph30.0 mph30.7 mph+0.7 mph
60 mph60.0 mph61.3 mph+1.3 mph
75 mph75.0 mph76.6 mph+1.6 mph

Ride-height change: 175/55R15 raises the vehicle by 0.24 in (6.1 mm) at the axle (half the +12.3 mm diameter difference).

175/55R15 is 0.48 in taller than 165/70R13 and 10 mm wider, a 2.19% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 165/70R13, an indicated 60 mph is actually 61.3 mph on 175/55R15, and revolutions per mile change from 913 to 893.

175/55R15 mounts on a 15-inch wheel, a plus-2 fitment from the 13-inch wheel of 165/70R13.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 165/70R13

Other comparisons with 175/55R15

Source: Calculated from standard tire geometry formulas. Verified . How these numbers are calculated.