Tire Size Box

185/60R16 vs 185/70R16

185/70R16 compared with 185/60R16

+5.9% diameter, 0.0" width

185/70R16 is 26.20" tall vs 24.74". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

24.7"16" rim4.4"7.3" wide
185/60R16 (solid) compared with 185/70R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 185/70R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

63.5 mph

185/70R16 is +1.46 inches (+5.9%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

185/60R16185/70R16Difference%
Overall diameter24.74"26.20"+1.46"+5.9%
Section width7.28"7.28"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.37"5.10"+0.73"+16.7%
Circumference77.72"82.30"+4.58"+5.9%
Revolutions per mile815.2769.9−45.3−5.6%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 185/60R16 and you fit 185/70R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.2 mph+1.2 mph
30 mph31.8 mph+1.8 mph
40 mph42.4 mph+2.4 mph
50 mph52.9 mph+2.9 mph
60 mph63.5 mph+3.5 mph
65 mph68.8 mph+3.8 mph
70 mph74.1 mph+4.1 mph
75 mph79.4 mph+4.4 mph
80 mph84.7 mph+4.7 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 185/60R16 or 185/70R16?
185/70R16 is taller by 1.46 inches (26.20" vs 24.74"). 185/60R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 185/60R16 with 185/70R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +5.9%, 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 185/70R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 185/70R16 fitted (calibrated for 185/60R16), your real speed is 63.5 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 5.9%.
Will 185/70R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.73 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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