Tire Size 255/65r17 vs 265/70r17
Swapping out your stock 255/65r17 tires for a larger 265/70r17 size can give your vehicle a whole new look and capability. But is it a good idea? Let’s dive in and see what this tire size switch really means for your daily drive and off-road adventures.
- Increased ground clearance improves off-road capability
- Wider tires provide better traction on loose surfaces
- Taller sidewalls are more durable and puncture resistant
- Larger tire size gives the vehicle a more aggressive look
- Slight decrease in fuel efficiency due to added weight
Fitment Guide
In this case, the 265/70r17 tires exceed that acceptable range with a 5.2% difference. Switching to this significantly larger size is not recommended without making necessary modifications to prevent rubbing and clearance issues.
On-Road Impact
How will this bigger tire size affect your day-to-day driving experience? Let’s break it down:
Ground Clearance: The taller 265/70r17 tires will lift your vehicle by about 0.78 inches. This can be beneficial for avoiding scrapes on speed bumps and navigating potholes. However, the increased height may negatively impact handling.
Gas Mileage: Larger tires mean more weight and rolling resistance, which can slightly decrease fuel efficiency. The effect is usually minimal but worth considering if you’re looking to maximize your MPG.
Speedometer Accuracy: Your speedometer is calibrated for your original tire size. Switching to the larger 265/70r17 size will throw off your speedometer readings by about 5%. At a 20 mph reading, you’ll actually be traveling at 21.03 mph. Keep this in mind to avoid unintended speeding tickets!
Ride Comfort: The taller sidewall of the 265/70r17 tires provides an extra 0.78 inches of cushioning. This can soften the blow of potholes and provide a smoother ride. However, the increased sidewall flex may slightly reduce steering responsiveness.
Off-Road Impact
If you’re an off-road enthusiast, the 265/70r17 tires can elevate your trail riding game:
Traction: The wider 265mm section provides a larger contact patch, improving grip on loose surfaces like sand and gravel. Combined with a more aggressive tread pattern, these tires can really dig in and keep you moving forward.
Durability: The taller 70 aspect ratio means a thicker sidewall that’s more resistant to punctures and cuts from sharp rocks. When aired down for improved traction, the sidewall has more flexibility to conform over uneven terrain.
Aesthetics: There’s no denying that bigger tires look awesome, especially if you’re running a lift kit. The 265/70r17 size fills out the wheel wells nicely and gives your rig an aggressive, go-anywhere stance.
255/65r17 vs 265/70r17
This table compares the key features of tire sizes 255/65R17 and 265/70R17.
| Feature | 255/65R17 | 265/70R17 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter inches (mm) | 30.05 (763.3) | 31.61 (802.8) | 1.56 (39.5) 5.2% |
| Width inches (mm) | 10.04 (255) | 10.43 (265) | 0.39 (10) 3.9% |
| Circumference inches (mm) | 94.41 (2397.98) | 99.29 (2522.07) | 4.89 (124.09) 5.2% |
| Sidewall Height inches (mm) | 6.53 (165.75) | 7.3 (185.5) | 0.78 (19.75) 11.9% |
| Revolutions per mile (km) | 671.13 (417.02) | 638.1 (396.5) | -33.02 (-20.52) -4.9% |
| Speedo Reading | 20 mph | 21.03 mph | +1.03 mph |
What is the Main Difference Between 255/65r17 and 265/70r17?
The primary difference between 255/65r17 and 265/70r17 tires is the overall diameter. 265/70r17 tires are 1.56 inches taller than 255/65r17 tires, which equates to a 5.2% increase in diameter.
This size difference affects ground clearance, speedometer accuracy, ride quality, and performance.
Can I Use 265/70r17 Instead of 255/65r17?
It is not recommended to use 265/70r17 tires in place of 255/65r17 without making necessary modifications. The 5.2% difference in overall diameter exceeds the typically acceptable range of 3%.
Installing 265/70r17 tires on a vehicle designed for 255/65r17 may cause rubbing, clearance problems, and throw off speedometer readings. Consult with a tire professional to determine if this switch is feasible for your specific vehicle.
How Much Taller Is a 265/70r17 Tire Than a 255/65r17?
A 265/70r17 tire is 1.56 inches taller than a 255/65r17 tire in overall diameter. This height difference comes from the taller sidewall, which is 0.78 inches taller on the 265/70r17 size. The larger diameter tire will lift the vehicle slightly, increasing ground clearance.
How Much Wider is a 265/70r17 Tire Than a 255/65r17?
The 265/70r17 tire is 0.39 inches or about 10 millimeters wider than a 255/65r17 tire. This wider section width provides a larger contact patch, which can improve traction, especially in off-road situations.
However, the width difference is relatively minor compared to the more significant change in sidewall height between the two sizes.
Our Observations
After weighing the pros and cons, our take is that switching from 255/65r17 to 265/70r17 tires is a worthwhile upgrade for off-road focused vehicles. The gains in ground clearance, traction, and durability make tackling tough trails easier. However, the on-road tradeoffs in speedo accuracy, fuel economy, and handling are things to consider. We recommend consulting a professional to ensure this tire size will work with your specific make and model. Ultimately, whether the benefits outweigh the drawbacks depends on how you use your ride. For mall crawlers, the negatives may not be worth it. But for those who live for the dirt, the advantages of 265/70r17 tires can be the difference between getting stuck and going further.
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.
