Tire Size Box

165/80R14 vs 185/80R14

185/80R14 compared with 165/80R14

+5.2% diameter, +0.8" width

185/80R14 is 25.65" tall vs 24.39". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

24.4"14" rim5.2"6.5" wide
165/80R14 (solid) compared with 185/80R14 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 185/80R14 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

63.1 mph

185/80R14 is +1.26 inches (+5.2%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

165/80R14185/80R14Difference%
Overall diameter24.39"25.65"+1.26"+5.2%
Section width6.50"7.28"+0.79"+12.1%
Sidewall height5.20"5.83"+0.63"+12.1%
Circumference76.64"80.59"+3.96"+5.2%
Revolutions per mile826.8786.2−40.6−4.9%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 165/80R14 and you fit 185/80R14, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.0 mph+1.0 mph
30 mph31.5 mph+1.5 mph
40 mph42.1 mph+2.1 mph
50 mph52.6 mph+2.6 mph
60 mph63.1 mph+3.1 mph
65 mph68.4 mph+3.4 mph
70 mph73.6 mph+3.6 mph
75 mph78.9 mph+3.9 mph
80 mph84.1 mph+4.1 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 165/80R14 or 185/80R14?
185/80R14 is taller by 1.26 inches (25.65" vs 24.39"). 185/80R14 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 165/80R14 with 185/80R14?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +5.2%, more than the 3% most shops and makers allow. It will throw off the speedometer and may affect ABS, stability control and clearance.
How much will 185/80R14 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 185/80R14 fitted (calibrated for 165/80R14), your real speed is 63.1 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 5.2%.
Will 185/80R14 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.63 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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