TireSizesFinder

165/70R14 vs 165/65R15

165/65R15 is 0.35 in (8.9 mm) taller than 165/70R14, a +1.52% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 165/70R14, an indicated 60 mph is 60.9 mph on 165/65R15.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +1.52%: within the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 165/65R15 falls inside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 165/70R14. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

To-scale drawing: 165/70R14 (23.09 in) vs 165/65R15 (23.44 in)165/70R1423.09 in × 6.50 in165/65R1523.44 in × 6.50 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
165/70R14 vs 165/65R15 differences
Measurement165/70R14165/65R15Difference% diff
Overall diameter23.09 in (586.6 mm)23.44 in (595.5 mm)+0.35 in (+8.9 mm)+1.52%
Sidewall height4.55 in (115.5 mm)4.22 in (107.3 mm)−0.32 in (−8.2 mm)−7.14%
Section width6.50 in (165.0 mm)6.50 in (165.0 mm)0.00 in (0.0 mm)0.00%
Circumference72.55 in (1,842.9 mm)73.65 in (1,870.8 mm)+1.10 in (+28.0 mm)+1.52%
Revolutions per mile873860−13−1.49%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 165/70R14
IndicatedActual on 165/70R14Actual on 165/65R15Difference
30 mph30.0 mph30.5 mph+0.5 mph
60 mph60.0 mph60.9 mph+0.9 mph
75 mph75.0 mph76.1 mph+1.1 mph

Ride-height change: 165/65R15 raises the vehicle by 0.18 in (4.5 mm) at the axle (half the +8.9 mm diameter difference).

165/65R15 is 0.35 in taller than 165/70R14 and the same width, a 1.52% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 165/70R14, an indicated 60 mph is actually 60.9 mph on 165/65R15, and revolutions per mile change from 873 to 860.

165/65R15 mounts on a 15-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 14-inch wheel of 165/70R14.

Size pages

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