6.50-16 tire conversion chart helps you find the right modern radial tire equivalent for your vehicle. By comparing the section width, overall diameter, and aspect ratio, you can easily convert to popular sizes like 215/75R16 or 205/75R16, ensuring proper fitment and performance.
Knowing the various sizes of tire is critical to properly choosing tires for your vehicle. Particularly, the changing of size tires can be very tiresome, particularly with older tires such as the 6.50-16. Such tires can be seen in vintage cars, trucks, trailers, and other specialized equipment. While it may seem uncomplicated to sight such a measurement, conducting proper conversions to modern size tires will require a proper knowledge of tire phrases, measurements, and their effects on vehicle performance.
Throughout this guide we will take a dive into the 6.50-16 tires, how to properly convert them to modern radial sizes, and address some common questions people have. This includes people who may be replacing tires, or working on restoring a vintage car. This guide aims to properly equip you with the right knowledge for your tires.
Contents
What Is a 6.50-16 Tire?
A 6.50-16 tire is classified as having an outdated and old form of designation, bias-ply tire sizing. Old forms of designation tradition is typography that is referred to as a bias ply tire sizing. Old forms of designation the tire’s size consists of two numbers , ‘6.50’ and ’16’ which indicate the tire’s measurement and the scale of the rim that it can fit on.
Section Width: The first number, 6.50, shows how wide the tire is in inches. Specifically, it indicates section width, which is the distance, in inches, from the sidewall to the other, when the tire is mounted on a rim of a certain width.
Rim Diameter: The second number, 16, shows how wide the rim should be to which the tire is made for. Here, the tire is made for a rim that is 16 inches wide.
With bias-ply tires, there is a more rigid and firm ride because the construction is designed with layers of cords that run diagonally across the tire, unlike modern radial tires.
Bias Ply and Radial Tires
The first thing that needs to be done before trying out the conversions is to know the difference in bias ply and radial tires. It is going to make the understanding of how complicated it is to convert from one tire size to another much more easier.
Bias-Ply Tires: These are the earlier type of tire with the 6.50-16 tire size as a fine example of this construction. Bias-ply tires consist of several layers of rubber coated fabric with the cords within the tire crossing at an angle, usually from 30 to 40 degrees. These tires are less flexible, and as such, are stiffer tires. Stiffer tires usually leads to a rougher ride, less traction, and increased rolling resistance. Vintage cars, trailers, and some off-road vehicles are where bias-ply tires are usually found.
Radial Tires: Radial tires, on the contrary, have cords that are positioned perpendicular to the travel direction. This makes bias ply tires weaker and less flexible. This leads to better handling, traction, and fuel economy. Radial tires are the most used tires on vehicles. This is because they are more durable and safer, not forgetting better performing than bias ply tires. This means that replacing a 6.50-16 bias ply tire should entail conversion to a radial tire size.
Related Article
Radial vs. Bias Tires
Converting 6.50-16 to Modern Radial Sizes
Translating the 6.50-16 tire size to modern radial size means accessing the unmatched performance, durability, and an array of tire options. However, the conversion process requires calculations and radial comparisons to work.
Some of the most common modern equivalents to the 6.50-16 tire are:
1. 205/75R16: This is also a 6.50-16 tire replacement. It is a bit narrower while still providing the same overall diameter. If you need a tire to increase your gas mileage due to the narrower diameter and added to the decreased rolling resistance, a 205/75R16 tire would be perfect.
2. 215/75R16: The most common radial equivalent to the 6.50-16 tire is this one. It has almost the same diameter and width and also inflates to fit the 16 inch rim. The “215” denotes a section width of 215 millimeters while the “75” denotes the aspect ratio, meaning the height of the sidewall is 75% of the section width. Read more about Difference Between 205 and 215 Tires.
3. 225/70R16: These tires are compatible with the 16-inch rim although they are a little wider and taller. As with any other tire, the restrictions of the vehicle must be checked. If the vehicle is older, a wider tire could drive the vehicle’s clearance height. There could be clearance issues with older vehicles of this size. These should be checked prior to purchase.
Mileage and the change to a radial tire brings many other conditions to look before making the jump. The radial’s overall diameter, section width, and aspect ratio must be researched. These elements affect the vehicle’s performance, driving ease, and overall look.
How to Read Tire Sizes
Now, let’s convert tire sizes. The example we will use is 215/75R16. There are several numbers here, what does each number represent?
215: In this example the width of the tire is at its maximum and the tire is fully mounted and inflated within a section of 75 millimeters.
75: Depending on the type of rim, if the tire is mounted and inflated, the width is 75. The number should not exceed 75. The percentage of sidewall height. In this example, the width if the section is the height of the tire’s sidewall and the ratio is 75, meaning 75%.
R: It refers to the construction type of the tire. Radial construction, which is the most common construction type on today’s tires, is underlined by R.
16: The size of the tire that fits the wheel is measured.
Thus, when fitting a 6.50″ tire, the expectation is to establish a modern radial tire which is within the defined parameters of the diameter while the radial section width is also modern to radial construction to achieve the expected vehicle performance.
Comprehending tire conversion charts
Tire conversion charts act as the tangible bridge that aids a driver visualize the size of tires that are old as compared to new ones. Drivers are able to view the alternate measurements of tires (bias ply, radial tires) along with the tire measurements that are considered tire conversion systems, and help the driver choose the most suitable tires to help the vehicle function seamlessly.
For example, when comparing a 6.50-16 bias-ply tire with a 215/75R16 radial tire, here are the details:
| Tire Size | Section Width | Overall Diameter | Aspect Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.50-16 (Bias) | 6.50 inches | 28.5 inches | N/A |
| 215/75R16 (Radial) | 8.5 inches | 28.7 inches | 75% |
Hence as noted, the section width of 215/75R16 tires compared to 6.50-16 is significantly wider, which also gives a larger overall diameter. This slight increase should not pose a serious problem to most cars.
Things To Think About Prior To Coming To A Decision
If you are contemplating replacing your 6.50-16 tires with modern tires of radial sizes, we have some important things to talk about.
1. Vehicle Compatibility
Not every vehicle will be able to take on bigger tires. If you are thinking of going for wider and/or taller tires, you will have to crosscheck your vehicle with a spec sheet and make certain that the new tires will fit inside the wheel well, and will not rub against anything, or have any other clearance problems. A vehicle will impose some restrictions on the diameter of the tire, and the width of the tire.
2. Accuracy of Speedometer
If you are changing tires for your vehicle, it is to be noted that the overall diameter of your tires will affect your speedometer. With a larger tire, the speedometer will read lower than your actual speed, and with a smaller tire, it will read the opposite. Please make sure to keep that in mind prior to choosing the new tire size.
3. Load Capacity
Each tire comes with a load rating which is the standard set in the tire industry that is the maximum weight that a tire can carry safely. Prior to replacing the 6.50-16 tire, make sure the load capacity of the modern tire is equal to or exceeds the required capacity set by the vehicle. It is generally understood that a higher load rating is better as it contributes to greater safety and durability.
4. Quality of Ride and Treatment of the Vehicle Doing
The quality of ride is determined in a great extent by the construction of tires. Radial tires are more comfortable and easier to handle than bias-ply tires. Bias-ply to radial is an option to consider if higher riding speeds are a concern. At higher speeds radial tires are better and safer. Radial tires are also better in traction which increases the safety of most drivers.
FAQs About 6.50-16 Tire Conversion
Though radial size conversions of a 6.50-16 tire are done often, there are some questions that may arise.
1. Is it possible to use a 2157516 tire instead of a 6.50-16 tire?
Yes, a 2157516 tire is one of the types of tires that has a modern radial equivalent to a 6.50-16 tire. It has the same overall diameter and should accommodate most 16-inch rims.
2. Changing the size of my tires will change the vehicle’s performance, correct?
Yes, changing the size of the tires will change a number of things in a vehicles performance as well as handling, fuel driven, and comfort when riding. Generally, larger tires are more fuel efficient.
3. Are there any alternatives to radial tires for replacing 6.50-16?
Apart from radial tires, which are the most commonly used nowadays, bias-ply tires are also an option , although they are less effective and offer a far bumpier ride than their radial counterparts.
4. How can I ensure the new tire size fits my vehicle?
It is recommended to check with the vehicle manual, and a tire expert to ensure no rubbing, and clearance problems occur when fitting the vehicle with a new tire size.
5. Where can I purchase tires in the 215/75R16 size?
215/75R16 size tires are very easy to find in physical tire shops, and online. Highly reputable tire companies such as Michelin, Bridgestone, and Goodyear also manufacture products in this size.
Conclusion
Upgrading the 6.50-16 tire to modern radial tires will enhance the vehicle’s overall performance, durability, and comfort. Radial tires are most commonly used, and bias ply tires are understood to be the other alternatives. One can determine which tire size to use after considering the vehicle’s compatibility. It is also important not to forget how switching the tires will affect the speedometer accuracy, load capacity, and overall ride comfort.
Be sure to ask a tire specialist if the new size will fit your vehicle correctly. Choosing the correct tire size will allow you to drive in comfort and safety for many years to come.
