Tire Size Box

215/55R14 vs 215/65R14

215/65R14 compared with 215/55R14

+7.3% diameter, 0.0" width

215/65R14 is 25.00" tall vs 23.31". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

23.3"14" rim4.7"8.5" wide
215/55R14 (solid) compared with 215/65R14 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 215/65R14 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

64.4 mph

215/65R14 is +1.69 inches (+7.3%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

215/55R14215/65R14Difference%
Overall diameter23.31"25.00"+1.69"+7.3%
Section width8.46"8.46"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.66"5.50"+0.85"+18.2%
Circumference73.23"78.55"+5.32"+7.3%
Revolutions per mile865.2806.6−58.6−6.8%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/55R14 and you fit 215/65R14, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.5 mph+1.5 mph
30 mph32.2 mph+2.2 mph
40 mph42.9 mph+2.9 mph
50 mph53.6 mph+3.6 mph
60 mph64.4 mph+4.4 mph
65 mph69.7 mph+4.7 mph
70 mph75.1 mph+5.1 mph
75 mph80.4 mph+5.4 mph
80 mph85.8 mph+5.8 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/55R14 or 215/65R14?
215/65R14 is taller by 1.69 inches (25.00" vs 23.31"). 215/55R14 is the same width.
Can I replace 215/55R14 with 215/65R14?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +7.3%, 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 215/65R14 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/65R14 fitted (calibrated for 215/55R14), your real speed is 64.4 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 7.3%.
Will 215/65R14 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.85 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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