Tire Size 245/75r16 vs 265/70r17
Changing from a 245/75r16 to a 265/70r17 tire means opting for a wider and slightly larger tire. This modification impacts your vehicle’s diameter, width, and speedometer accuracy. Understanding these changes helps you make an informed decision for your driving needs.
- The 265/70R17 offers a larger diameter for improved ground clearance.
- A wider tire enhances traction and stability on various surfaces.
- The increased sidewall height may provide better cushioning on rough terrain.
- The larger circumference can improve performance at higher speeds.
- Fuel efficiency may decrease due to the larger tire size and weight.
- A reduction in revolutions per mile may affect speedometer accuracy.
Fitment Guide
In this case, the difference is 3.7%, which is slightly above the acceptable 3% range. This means the interchange may not be ideal and could require adjustments to prevent issues like rubbing or clearance problems.
If you still choose to switch, ensure your vehicle has enough space to accommodate the larger tires and consider consulting a professional installer.
On-Road Impact
Switching tire sizes affects how your vehicle performs on everyday roads. Here’s what to expect when you’re driving:
Gas Mileage
Upgrading to a wider tire like the 265/70r17 can reduce gas mileage. The increased width leads to higher rolling resistance, which means your vehicle may consume more fuel, especially during highway driving where efficiency is crucial.
Ride Comfort
The 265/70r17 has a slightly taller sidewall by 0.07 inches. This minimal increase provides a bit more cushioning, potentially offering a smoother ride.
However, the wider tire might also make the ride feel less supple compared to the narrower option.
Speedometer Accuracy
A larger tire diameter affects your speedometer readings. For example, when your speedometer reads 20 mph, your actual speed is about 20.75 mph.
This slight overestimation means you could unknowingly drive faster than intended, so it’s important to be mindful of the difference.
Durability & Wear
The 265/70r17 tire, being wider, may experience increased wear on the edges if not properly aligned. Ensuring regular maintenance and alignment checks can help mitigate premature tire wear.
Additionally, the larger size might contribute to greater stress on your vehicle’s suspension components over time.
Off-Road Impact
Changing tire sizes also affects how your vehicle handles off the beaten path. Here’s how the switch influences off-road performance:
Ground Clearance
Switching to the 265/70r17 slightly increases ground clearance by 1.14 inches. This can be beneficial when navigating over rocks, logs, or uneven terrain, reducing the risk of undercarriage damage and improving overall off-road capability.
Traction
The wider 265/70r17 tires provide a larger contact patch with the ground, enhancing traction on loose surfaces like mud or sand.
This improvement can lead to better handling and stability when driving off-road, making your vehicle more capable in challenging conditions.
Vehicle Capability
A larger and wider tire can improve your vehicle’s towing and hauling capacity. The increased diameter and width offer better support and stability when carrying heavy loads or climbing steep inclines, enhancing overall vehicle capability both on and off the road.
Durability
The robust construction of the 265/70r17 tires often includes features designed for off-road durability.
This makes them more resistant to punctures and abrasions, providing longer-lasting performance in rugged environments compared to narrower, smaller tires.
Aesthetics Look
Upgrading to the 265/70r17 not only improves performance but also enhances your vehicle’s visual appeal.
The wider and larger tires give your car a more rugged and commanding presence, making it stand out on the road. This aesthetic upgrade can be a significant factor for those looking to make a style statement with their vehicle.
Difference Between 245/75R16 and 265/70R17
The main difference is width; the 265/70R17 tire is 0.79 inches (20 mm) wider than the 245/75R16, providing a broader contact patch for enhanced stability.
245/75r16 vs 265/70r17
This table compares the key features of tire sizes 245/75R16 and 265/70R17.
| Feature | 245/75R16 | 265/70R17 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter inches (mm) | 30.47 (773.9) | 31.61 (802.8) | 1.14 (28.9) 3.7% |
| Width inches (mm) | 9.65 (245) | 10.43 (265) | 0.79 (20) 8.2% |
| Circumference inches (mm) | 95.72 (2431.28) | 99.29 (2522.07) | 3.57 (90.79) 3.7% |
| Sidewall Height inches (mm) | 7.23 (183.75) | 7.3 (185.5) | 0.07 (1.75) 1% |
| Revolutions per mile (km) | 661.93 (411.31) | 638.1 (396.5) | -23.83 (-14.81) -3.6% |
| Speedo Reading | 20 mph (32.19 km/h) | 20.75 mph (33.39 km/h) | +0.75 mph |
Can I Use 265/70R17 Instead of 245/75R16?
No, using a 265/70R17 instead of a 245/75R16 is not recommended. The larger size exceeds the 3% diameter difference guideline, potentially affecting handling, speedometer accuracy, and vehicle performance.
How Much Taller Is a 265/70R17 Tire Than a 245/75R16?
The 265/70R17 tire is 1.14 inches (28.9 mm) taller than the 245/75R16, a 3.7% increase in overall diameter.
How Much Wider is a 265/70R17 Tire Than a 245/75R16?
The 265/70R17 tire is 0.79 inches (20 mm) wider than the 245/75R16, offering improved traction and stability.
Our Observation
Switching from 245/75r16 to 265/70r17 offers both benefits and drawbacks. On the positive side, the wider tires provide enhanced traction and a more aggressive look, which can improve both on-road handling and off-road performance.
The slight increase in ground clearance and better vehicle capability are advantageous for those who enjoy off-roading or need to tow heavy loads.
However, the increased width can lead to reduced fuel efficiency and potential fitment challenges, as the diameter difference exceeds the recommended 3% limit.
Additionally, the larger tires may cause speedometer inaccuracies and increased wear if not properly maintained. For everyday on-road driving, some of these effects may be negligible, but off-road enthusiasts might find the benefits outweigh the shortcomings.
Ultimately, the decision to switch depends on your specific driving needs and whether the improvements in performance and aesthetics align with your priorities.
Caitlin McCormack is a lead writer at Tiresizecompare.com and a trusted guide at AmarCalculator. With an extensive background in finance and mathematics, she simplifies complex calculations and delivers precise insights. Caitlin’s expertise ensures readers receive accurate and reliable information to make informed decisions. Her passion for numbers and dedication to clarity make her an invaluable resource for tire comparisons.
