245 vs 315 Tires

Choosing the right tire size can make all the difference in how your vehicle handles, performs, and looks. The biggest difference between 245 and 315 tires is their width. The 315 tires is about 70 mm wider than the 245 tires.

A 245 tire has a width of 245 millimeters, while a 315 tire measures 315 millimeters wide, giving it an extra 70 mm of width. This substantial difference significantly impacts various aspects such as traction, handling, aesthetics, and fuel efficiency.

The 315 tire, with its wider footprint, provides a much larger contact patch on the road, which enhances traction, stability, and cornering capabilities.

This makes it an attractive option for performance vehicles, SUVs, or off-road trucks. On the other hand, 245 tires are narrower and better suited for vehicles where fuel efficiency, maneuverability, and lighter handling are prioritized.

Fitment Guide

Before we dive into the details of swapping between 245 and 315 tires, it’s crucial to assess whether it’s even possible. The ideal rim width range is a key factor in determining if a tire swap is feasible.

• 245 Tire: The ideal rim width range for a 245 tire is 7.5 to 9.0 inches.
• 315 Tire: The ideal rim width range for a 315 tire is 10.0 to 11.5 inches.

There is no overlap in the ideal rim width range for 245 and 315 tires. This means that the rims suitable for 245 tires are significantly narrower than those needed for 315 tires, making it not recommended to swap directly between these sizes.

On-Road Impact

If you’re considering switching to 315 tires, here’s how it could impact your driving experience:

• Increased Traction and Grip: The wider tread provides a larger contact patch, which enhances grip, especially during acceleration and cornering. This makes 315 tires a popular choice for sports cars and trucks aiming for better performance on dry roads.
• Higher Rolling Resistance: The increased width also means greater rolling resistance, which can reduce fuel efficiency. If fuel economy is important to you, switching to a wider tire may not be ideal.
• More Stable Handling: A wider tire generally improves stability at higher speeds, offering more confidence when maneuvering. However, it can also make the steering feel heavier, which might not be ideal for everyone.

Off-Road Impact

If you’re considering switching to 315 tires, here’s how it could impact your off road driving experience:

• Better Off-Road Capabilities: For off-road enthusiasts, 315 tires can provide better flotation over soft surfaces such as sand or mud, thanks to their wider footprint. This can be advantageous if you’re frequently driving off the beaten path.
• More Vulnerable to Damage: On rough terrains, the increased width may make the sidewalls more susceptible to cuts and punctures. It’s important to consider whether the potential risks are worth the improved off-road performance.

Speedometer Impact

Switching between 245 and 315 tires can impact your vehicle’s speedometer and odometer accuracy. The overall diameter of the tire plays a key role in determining accurate speed and distance readings.

If the diameter changes significantly, it can lead to discrepancies in these readings, potentially causing safety issues. To ensure accuracy, it may be necessary to recalibrate the speedometer if the difference in overall diameter exceeds 3%.

Proper calibration helps maintain reliable performance metrics and ensures you remain informed about your vehicle’s true speed.

Pros of Staying with 245 Tires:

• Fuel Efficiency: Narrower tires generally have lower rolling resistance, which can contribute to better fuel efficiency. This is particularly beneficial for daily driving or long-distance commutes.
• Comfortable Ride: The smaller contact patch means less road noise and a more comfortable ride, especially on highways and smoother roads. If comfort is your priority, sticking with 245 tires makes sense.
• Cost-Effective: 245 tires are usually less expensive compared to larger, wider tires like the 315. If budget is a concern, keeping the 245 tires is more economical.

Cons of Staying with 245 Tires:

• Less Traction: Compared to the 315 tires, the narrower width means less grip during aggressive driving, especially on high-speed corners. If you want a sportier driving experience, the 245s might feel limiting.
• Limited Off-Road Performance: For those looking to venture off-road, 245 tires may struggle in situations that demand greater surface area, such as sandy or muddy terrain.

Pros of Switching to 315 Tires:

• Enhanced Traction: The wider 315 tires will provide significantly better traction, particularly during high-speed driving or aggressive cornering, enhancing overall handling.
• Improved Aesthetic Appeal: Wider tires give the vehicle a more muscular and aggressive look, which many drivers find appealing, especially for trucks and SUVs.
• Better Off-Road Capability: If off-roading is part of your routine, the larger contact area provides improved traction and performance on soft terrain.

Cons of Switching to 315 Tires:

• Fitment Issues: Since the ideal rim width ranges for 245 and 315 tires do not overlap, a rim change would be necessary. This adds extra cost and complexity to the switch.
• Reduced Fuel Efficiency: The larger tire size will increase rolling resistance, which may lead to reduced fuel economy. If you drive long distances, this could translate into higher fuel costs.
• Increased Cost: Wider tires tend to be more expensive, both in initial purchase and in terms of long-term maintenance, such as increased fuel consumption and possible rim modifications.

Conclusion

Switching from 245 to 315 tires offers advantages in terms of traction, off-road capability, and aesthetics, but it comes with several drawbacks, including the need for new rims, reduced fuel efficiency, and added cost.

For those looking to enhance performance and enjoy off-road adventures, 315 tires can be a great upgrade—as long as the necessary modifications are made.

However, if comfort, fuel efficiency, and cost-effectiveness are more important, sticking with 245 tires is the wiser choice.

Ultimately, the decision should be based on your driving needs, the type of vehicle you own, and your willingness to make additional changes, such as switching rims.

Make sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully to find the best tire option for your vehicle and driving lifestyle.

• 275 vs 305 Tires