What is the difference between 185 and 195 tires?
3 Answers
185 tires and 195 tires differ by 10 millimeters. The difference between 185 tires and 195 tires lies in the tire width, with one being 195 millimeters and the other 185 millimeters. The main functions of tires include: 1. Load-bearing: Supporting the entire weight of the vehicle and bearing the load of the car. 2. Transmission: Transmitting the torque of traction and braking, ensuring the adhesion between the wheels and the road surface. 3. Shock absorption: Reducing and absorbing the vibrations and impact forces during driving, preventing severe vibrations and premature damage to car components, ensuring driving safety, handling stability, comfort, and energy efficiency.
The difference between 185 and 195 tires is quite significant. First, the numbers: 185 refers to a section width of 185 millimeters, while 195 means 195 millimeters. This width directly determines the size of the tire's contact patch with the road. The 195 is noticeably wider, which changes the driving experience. I've used both types of tires, and the 195, with its larger contact area, offers significantly better grip. It feels more stable during high-speed cornering or in rainy conditions, and the braking distance is shorter. However, wider tires also have drawbacks, such as increased rolling resistance, which leads to slightly higher fuel consumption, and they tend to be noisier. Additionally, wider tires give the car a fuller, more sporty appearance, but they're usually more expensive than 185 tires. If you're considering a tire change, make sure to check your wheel size—some rims might be a tight fit for 195 tires, so it's best to measure the rim width first. Overall, 195 tires have advantages in handling and stability, but the trade-off is higher fuel consumption. It all depends on your priorities.
Having driven for so many years, the difference between 185 and 195 tires mainly lies in handling and comfort. Although the 195 wider tire is only 10mm broader, it feels noticeably more stable, especially on highways or when taking corners, as the tire grips the road more firmly, giving more confidence when driving fast. However, the wider tire has a larger contact area, naturally increasing rolling resistance, which can slightly raise fuel consumption—it's possible to cover a few extra kilometers per tank. Additionally, when driving over bumpy roads, the wider tire deforms less, which might make the ride feel stiffer, affecting comfort. When changing tires, the 195 width demands more from the rims—some compact cars' original rims might not be wide enough, and directly switching to 195 could pose safety risks. Therefore, before making the switch, confirm whether the rim width is compatible and check if the tire's outer diameter is close to the original, otherwise, the speedometer reading may become inaccurate.
