185/60R13 vs 175/55R15

175/55R15 is 0.84 in (21.3 mm) taller than 185/60R13, a +3.86% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 185/60R13, an indicated 60 mph is 62.3 mph on 175/55R15.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +3.86%: outside the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 175/55R15 falls outside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 185/60R13; speedometer and ride-height changes are larger. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

To-scale drawing: 185/60R13 (21.74 in) vs 175/55R15 (22.58 in)185/60R1321.74 in × 7.28 in175/55R1522.58 in × 6.89 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
185/60R13 vs 175/55R15 differences
Measurement185/60R13175/55R15Difference% diff
Overall diameter21.74 in (552.2 mm)22.58 in (573.5 mm)+0.84 in (+21.3 mm)+3.86%
Sidewall height4.37 in (111.0 mm)3.79 in (96.3 mm)−0.58 in (−14.7 mm)−13.29%
Section width7.28 in (185.0 mm)6.89 in (175.0 mm)−0.39 in (−10.0 mm)−5.41%
Circumference68.30 in (1,734.8 mm)70.93 in (1,801.7 mm)+2.63 in (+66.9 mm)+3.86%
Revolutions per mile928893−34−3.71%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 185/60R13
IndicatedActual on 185/60R13Actual on 175/55R15Difference
30 mph30.0 mph31.2 mph+1.2 mph
60 mph60.0 mph62.3 mph+2.3 mph
75 mph75.0 mph77.9 mph+2.9 mph

Ride-height change: 175/55R15 raises the vehicle by 0.42 in (10.6 mm) at the axle (half the +21.3 mm diameter difference).

175/55R15 is 0.84 in taller than 185/60R13 and 10 mm narrower, a 3.86% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 185/60R13, an indicated 60 mph is actually 62.3 mph on 175/55R15, and revolutions per mile change from 928 to 893.

175/55R15 mounts on a 15-inch wheel, a plus-2 fitment from the 13-inch wheel of 185/60R13.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 185/60R13

Other comparisons with 175/55R15

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