What is the difference between r15 and r16 tires?
2 Answers
The difference between r15 and r16 tires lies in their diameters: the rim diameter of an r15 tire is 15 inches, while that of an r16 tire is 16 inches. The 'r' in the tire designation stands for radial tire, and the following number indicates the diameter suitable for the wheel rim. The functions of tires are: 1. To transmit driving force, braking force, and steering force through the tires; 2. To support the vehicle's load; 3. To mitigate and absorb vibrations and impacts during vehicle operation. The method for replacing tires is: 1. Place the jack on the chassis support's designated position and use a wrench to loosen the screws diagonally; 2. Hook the jack with the support and attach the wrench to the end of the support, then rotate the wrench clockwise to lift the tire off the ground with the jack; 3. Remove the screws and take off the tire for replacement.
The biggest difference between R15 and R16 tires lies in the rim size! R15 refers to 15-inch rims, while R16 means 16-inch rims. That one-inch size difference may sound small, but it makes a significant practical impact.
With R15 tires, the sidewalls are usually thicker, resulting in less bumpiness when driving and a softer ride on rough roads—perfect for family vehicles. Switching to R16 means thinner sidewalls, offering more direct handling, better stability in turns, and a sportier look, though you might feel more vibration at high speeds.
Having driven for years and tried different tires, I've noticed that R16-equipped cars might have slightly slower acceleration, and tire options are fewer and more expensive. It's important not to mix sizes arbitrarily, as this can affect the speedometer and braking system—stick to the manufacturer's specifications.
Overall, R15 is better suited for comfort, while R16 leans more toward performance.
