Tire Size 245/75r17 vs 265/70r17
Are you considering upgrading your vehicle’s tires from 245/75R17 to 265/70R17? While this change may seem minor, it can have a noticeable impact on your driving experience.
- Improved traction and handling due to wider tires
- Slightly taller sidewall offers marginally better ride comfort
- Negligible impact on fuel efficiency
- Minor speedometer discrepancy of 0.09 mph at 20 mph
- Enhanced off-road performance with increased ground clearance and durability
245/75r17 vs 265/70r17 Table
The primary difference between 245/75R17 and 265/70R17 tires lies in their width.
Fitment Guide
When replacing tires, it’s crucial to ensure that the new tires’ overall diameter is within 3% of the original tires.
In this case, the diameter difference between 245/75R17 and 265/70R17 tires is just 0.4%, well within the acceptable range. This means that switching to 265/70R17 tires should not require any modifications to your vehicle.
On-Road Impact
Upgrading to wider 265/70R17 tires can have several effects on your vehicle’s on-road performance. Let’s take a closer look at how this change may influence your driving experience.
- Handling: The wider tires provide a larger contact patch with the road, which can improve traction and handling, especially during cornering and in wet conditions. However, the difference in width is relatively small, so the improvement may be subtle.
- Ride Comfort: The slightly taller sidewall of the 265/70R17 tires (0.07 inches or 1.75 mm) can offer a marginally smoother ride, as the extra cushioning helps absorb minor road imperfections. Again, the difference is minimal and may not be noticeable to most drivers.
- Fuel Efficiency: The wider tires may slightly increase rolling resistance, which could lead to a minor decrease in fuel efficiency. However, with a difference of just 0.79 inches (20 mm) in width, the impact on gas mileage is likely to be negligible.
- Speedometer Accuracy: The 0.4% difference in tire diameter will cause a slight discrepancy in your speedometer reading. At 20 mph (32.19 km/h), your actual speed will be 20.09 mph (32.33 km/h). This difference is minor and should not cause any significant issues.
Off-Road Impact
If you plan to take your vehicle off-road, the switch to 265/70R17 tires can offer some advantages. Here’s how the tire size change may affect your off-road adventures.
- Ground Clearance: The slightly taller sidewall of the 265/70R17 tires can provide a small increase in ground clearance, which may be beneficial when navigating rough terrain. However, with a difference of just 0.07 inches (1.75 mm), the improvement is minimal.
- Traction: The wider tires can offer improved traction on loose surfaces like sand, gravel, or mud. The larger contact patch allows for better grip, which can be particularly useful when climbing steep inclines or traversing challenging obstacles.
- Durability: Wider tires generally have a larger air volume, which can help them absorb impacts from rocks, roots, and other off-road hazards more effectively. This can lead to improved durability and a reduced risk of punctures or damage.
245/75r17 vs 265/70r17
This table compares the key features of tire sizes 245/75R17 and 265/70R17.
| Feature | 245/75R17 | 265/70R17 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter inches (mm) | 31.47 (799.3) | 31.61 (802.8) | 0.14 (3.5) 0.4% |
| Width inches (mm) | 9.65 (245) | 10.43 (265) | 0.79 (20) 8.2% |
| Circumference inches (mm) | 98.86 (2511.08) | 99.29 (2522.07) | 0.43 (11) 0.4% |
| Sidewall Height inches (mm) | 7.23 (183.75) | 7.3 (185.5) | 0.07 (1.75) 1% |
| Revolutions per mile (km) | 640.9 (398.24) | 638.1 (396.5) | -2.79 (-1.74) -0.4% |
| Speedo Reading | 20 mph (32.19 km/h) | 20.09 mph (32.33 km/h) | -0.91 mph |
Difference Between 245/75R17 and 265/70R17
The primary difference is width. A 265/70R17 tire is approximately 0.79 inches (20 mm) wider than a 245/75R17, enhancing traction and stability but may affect wheel clearance.
Can I Use 265/70R17 Instead of 245/75R17?
Yes, you can use a 265/70R17 instead of a 245/75R17 since the diameter difference is only 0.4%, within the recommended 3%. Ensure adequate wheel clearance and check vehicle compatibility.
How Much Taller Is a 265/70R17 Tire Than a 245/75R17?
A 265/70R17 tire is 0.14 inches (3.5 mm) taller than a 245/75R17, maintaining the overall diameter difference well below the 3% threshold for safe vehicle performance.
How Much Wider is a 265/70R17 Tire Than a 245/75R17?
A 265/70R17 tire is 0.79 inches (20 mm) wider than a 245/75R17, providing increased traction but may require verifying wheel well clearance and ensuring proper fitment on your vehicle.
Our Observation
After analyzing the differences between 245/75R17 and 265/70R17 tires, we believe that the benefits of switching to the wider tires outweigh the potential drawbacks.
The improved traction, handling, and off-road capabilities make the 265/70R17 tires a worthwhile upgrade for most drivers.
However, it’s essential to keep in mind that the differences in on-road performance, such as ride comfort and fuel efficiency, may be negligible. Ultimately, the decision to switch tire sizes depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Asma Akter is the lead writer at Tiresizecompare.com, bringing her expertise to the automotive industry. With a strong background in technical writing and a passion for clear communication, Asma excels at breaking down complex tire-related information for readers. Her work helps consumers make informed decisions about tire sizes and compatibility, contributing to safer and more efficient vehicle operations.
