Tire Size 255/75r17 vs 275/70r17
Switching from 255/75R17 to 275/70R17 can be a subtle yet meaningful upgrade. Let’s explore the differences and understand how this change impacts your driving experience.
- Slightly wider tire improves traction and road stability.
- Increased tire width enhances handling performance, especially during cornering.
- Minimal change in overall diameter has little impact on ground clearance.
- Slightly taller sidewall maintains similar ride comfort and shock absorption.
- Lower revolutions per mile may result in a slight speedometer difference.
- Wider tread may contribute to a more aggressive and appealing look.
- Increased tire width could lead to marginally higher fuel consumption.
- Wider tire can provide better grip in off-road conditions.
Fitment Guide
In this case, the 275/70R17 has an almost identical diameter to the 255/75R17, with a difference of just 0.3%. This means the 275/70R17 comfortably falls within the acceptable range.
However, keep in mind that changing tires outside this range could cause clearance problems, rubbing, or require vehicle modifications. In this case, no such modifications are necessary, making this switch convenient and straightforward.
On-Road Impact
Switching tire sizes can bring several changes to the on-road driving experience. Let’s break down these key aspects.
Gas Mileage
The 275/70R17 tire is wider by about 20 mm, increasing the surface area in contact with the road. This added width can lead to higher rolling resistance, which may negatively impact fuel economy slightly.
For drivers who spend most of their time commuting on highways, this small dip in fuel efficiency might be worth considering. However, the difference isn’t significant enough to cause a substantial financial impact.
Ride Comfort
With the 275/70R17 tire having a similar sidewall height to the 255/75R17, ride comfort is likely to remain nearly identical.
Both tire sizes offer enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections, making for a smooth and comfortable ride on typical paved roads. This similarity in sidewall height ensures that the ride remains cushioned, without feeling overly stiff or bouncy.
Aesthetic Look
The 275/70R17 is a wider tire, which often gives vehicles a more aggressive and muscular stance. This visual upgrade is appealing to those who desire a stronger look for their vehicle. The broader profile makes the vehicle appear more planted, contributing to an aesthetic upgrade without dramatically altering the vehicle’s appearance.
Speedometer Accuracy
When upgrading tires, one important factor to consider is speedometer accuracy. With a mere 0.3% difference in diameter, the change from 255/75R17 to 275/70R17 is minimal.
For example, if your speedometer reads 20 mph, your actual speed will be around 20.06 mph. This minor difference is hardly noticeable and does not necessitate recalibration of the speedometer.
Durability & Wear
The wider 275/70R17 tire will generally have a larger contact patch, which can distribute weight more evenly across the tread.
This may contribute to longer tread life, provided that the tires are properly inflated and regularly rotated. However, increased rolling resistance can lead to slightly faster wear if driving habits are not adjusted accordingly.
Off-Road Impact
Off-road adventures demand different characteristics from your tires. Here’s how switching to 275/70R17 can impact your experience off the beaten path.
Ground Clearance
The 275/70R17 tire has a slightly larger diameter than the 255/75R17, though the difference is very small ( 0.1 inch).
This marginal increase in height will not noticeably affect ground clearance, making it negligible for most drivers. Therefore, obstacles like rocks or deep ruts will be managed similarly with both tires.
Traction
The increased tire width of the 275/70R17 means that off-road traction will generally improve, especially on loose surfaces like sand and gravel.
The larger contact patch provides better grip, enhancing the vehicle’s stability in challenging terrains. However, this increased width can be a disadvantage in mud, where a narrower tire might cut through to firmer ground more effectively.
Vehicle Capability
A wider tire can add to the vehicle’s capability off-road by improving stability, especially in side-lean situations.
The 275/70R17 tire’s enhanced width means that it can provide a better platform, reducing the risk of tipping over during sharp maneuvers on uneven ground. The difference, while not dramatic, can offer increased confidence when navigating difficult terrain.
255/75r17 vs 275/70r17
This table compares the key features of the 255/75R17 and 275/70R17 tire sizes.
Feature | 255/75R17 | 275/70R17 | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Diameter inches (mm) | 32.06 (814.3) | 32.16 (816.8) | 0.1 (2.5) +0.3% |
Width inches (mm) | 10.04 (255) | 10.83 (275) | 0.79 (20) +7.8% |
Circumference inches (mm) | 100.72 (2558.2) | 101.03 (2566.05) | 0.31 (7.85) +0.3% |
Sidewall Height inches (mm) | 7.53 (191.25) | 7.58 (192.5) | 0.05 (1.25) +0.7% |
Revolutions per mile (km) | 629.09 (390.9) | 627.17 (389.7) | -1.93 (-1.2) -0.3% |
Speedo Reading | 20 mph | 20.41 mph | +0.41 mph |
Difference Between 255/75r17 and 275/70r17
The main difference is width; the 275/70r17 tire is approximately 0.79 inches (20 mm) wider than the 255/75r17, resulting in a 7.8% increase in tire width.
Can I Use 275/70r17 Instead of 255/75r17?
Yes, you can use 275/70r17 instead of 255/75r17. The dimensions are similar, but the 275/70r17 is slightly wider. Ensure your vehicle can accommodate the extra width.
How Much Taller Is a 275/70r17 Tire Than a 255/75r17?
The 275/70r17 tire is about 0.1 inches (2.5 mm) taller than the 255/75r17, which is a minimal difference of approximately 0.3% in overall diameter.
How Much Wider is a 275/70r17 Tire Than a 255/75r17?
The 275/70r17 tire is 0.79 inches (20 mm) wider than the 255/75r17, representing a 7.8% increase in width.
Our Observation
Switching from 255/75R17 to 275/70R17 has both benefits and shortcomings, but overall, the difference is minor.
On-road, the added width contributes to a slightly more stable ride and a stronger visual stance, though it may marginally reduce fuel efficiency.
Off-road, the 275/70R17 improves traction and stability due to the larger contact patch, particularly in sandy or gravel terrains.
However, the difference in ground clearance and sidewall height is almost negligible, meaning both tires perform similarly over obstacles.
Ultimately, for those looking for enhanced stability and a beefier look without major changes to performance or ride quality, the 275/70R17 is a solid option.