Tire Size 255/80r17 vs 265/70r17
Switching tire sizes can have a significant impact—let’s dive into what happens when you swap 265/70R17 for 255/80R17.
- Increased overall diameter improves ground clearance, benefiting off-road performance.
- Narrower tire width may slightly reduce road traction and cornering stability.
- Taller sidewall height enhances ride comfort and shock absorption on rough surfaces.
- Reduced revolutions per mile could cause minor discrepancies in speedometer readings.
- Taller sidewall provides better protection against impacts and punctures.
- Increased tire diameter may lead to slightly reduced fuel efficiency.
- Narrower tire may improve performance in snow and mud due to higher pressure per area.
- Taller tire gives the vehicle a more rugged and elevated appearance.
Fitment Guide
Replacement tires must stay within a 3% range of the original tire’s overall diameter to ensure compatibility. The diameter difference between the 265/70R17 and 255/80R17 exceeds the acceptable 3% range, coming in at 4.6%.
Due to this, switching between these two tire sizes is not recommended unless necessary adaptations are made to prevent rubbing, clearance issues, and other potential complications..
On-Road Impact
Switching from 265/70R17 to 255/80R17 will notably affect your vehicle’s performance on paved roads. Here’s a closer look at the impacts:
Gas Mileage Taller tires like the 255/80R17 generally result in lower fuel efficiency due to increased rolling resistance. Your engine has to work harder to turn these larger tires, meaning you might notice a decrease in miles per gallon (MPG), especially during city driving.
Speedometer Accuracy The larger circumference of the 255/80R17 tires results in fewer revolutions per mile compared to the 265/70R17. This directly affects speedometer readings, causing it to under-report your speed. For instance, at an indicated 20 mph, your actual speed will be closer to 20.92 mph. If not recalibrated, this could lead to discrepancies between your perceived speed and the actual speed, which can be a safety concern.
Ride Comfort The 255/80R17 tire has a taller sidewall compared to the 265/70R17, which may result in a softer ride. A taller sidewall usually provides better absorption of road imperfections, enhancing comfort, especially on uneven surfaces. However, if your vehicle is mainly used for highway driving, you may also experience an increase in body roll, which could affect overall stability.
Ground Clearance One of the major changes when switching to 255/80R17 is the increase in ground clearance. The overall diameter increase of 1.46 inches results in a lift of roughly 0.73 inches. This increased ground clearance can be beneficial for navigating speed bumps or tackling rough terrain but might require adjustments to maintain stability at higher speeds.
Aesthetic Look When it comes to aesthetics, the taller 255/80R17 provides a more aggressive and rugged look, giving your vehicle a more “off-road ready” appearance. This may be preferable if you enjoy the adventurous aesthetic or need a higher stance for off-road excursions. However, the narrower width can lead to a less planted look compared to the wider 265/70R17.
Off-Road Impact
The switch to 255/80R17 has a series of effects specifically beneficial for off-road adventures. Here’s what changes:
Traction The narrower width of the 255/80R17 means reduced surface contact, which, in some off-road conditions, such as snow or soft sand, can improve traction by increasing the pressure exerted on the ground. However, in rocky or muddy terrain, the wider 265/70R17 may perform better by offering more stability and traction.
Durability & Wear With the increased sidewall height, the 255/80R17 can better withstand off-road impacts, such as jagged rocks or sharp obstacles. The taller sidewall provides more cushion, which helps prevent punctures and allows for better adaptation to uneven surfaces, enhancing tire durability during challenging trails.
Vehicle Capability Off-road enthusiasts may benefit from the increased ground clearance offered by the 255/80R17. The additional clearance improves approach and departure angles, enabling the vehicle to clear larger obstacles without scraping the underbody. This makes the 255/80R17 ideal for those seeking to enhance their vehicle’s off-road capabilities.
Ride Comfort Off-road, the taller sidewall of the 255/80R17 can be advantageous, as it can be aired down more effectively to provide a smoother ride on rough trails. The improved shock absorption leads to greater comfort over rocky and uneven surfaces, reducing the impact on both passengers and the vehicle’s suspension components.
255/80r17 vs 265/70r17
This table compares the key features of the 265/70R17 and 255/80R17 tire sizes.
| Feature | 265/70R17 | 255/80R17 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter inches (mm) | 31.61 (802.8) | 33.06 (839.8) | 1.46 (37) +4.6% |
| Width inches (mm) | 10.43 (265) | 10.04 (255) | -0.39 (-10) -3.8% |
| Circumference inches (mm) | 99.29 (2522.07) | 103.87 (2638.31) | 4.58 (116.24) +4.6% |
| Sidewall Height inches (mm) | 7.30 (185.5) | 8.03 (204) | 0.73 (18.5) +10% |
| Revolutions per mile (km) | 638.1 (396.5) | 609.99 (379.03) | -28.11 (-17.47) -4.4% |
| Speedo Reading | 20 mph | 21.11 mph | +1.11 mph |
Difference Between 265/70r17 and 255/80r17
The main difference is diameter; the 255/80r17 tire is 1.46 inches (37 mm) taller than the 265/70r17, resulting in a 4.6% increase in overall tire height.
Can I Use 255/80r17 Instead of 265/70r17?
Using 255/80r17 instead of 265/70r17 is not recommended. The 4.6% increase in diameter exceeds the advised 3% limit, potentially affecting vehicle handling, speedometer accuracy, and safety.
How Much Taller Is a 255/80r17 Tire Than a 265/70r17?
The 255/80r17 tire is 1.46 inches (37 mm) taller than the 265/70r17, which is a 4.6% increase in overall diameter.
How Much Wider is a 265/70r17 Tire Than a 255/80r17?
The 265/70r17 tire is 0.39 inches (10 mm) wider than the 255/80r17, representing a 3.8% increase in tire width.
Our Observation
Switching from 265/70R17 to 255/80R17 comes with both advantages and drawbacks, depending on how you use your vehicle. The taller 255/80R17 enhances ground clearance, making it ideal for off-road trails where obstacles are common.
Its increased sidewall height also helps cushion the ride and improves durability in rough conditions. However, this switch negatively impacts on-road characteristics, such as gas mileage, speedometer accuracy, and stability at higher speeds.
For off-road enthusiasts, these differences may be negligible and well worth the trade-off, while for daily drivers, the drop in fuel economy and change in speedometer readings may be more significant. Thus, it’s crucial to consider your driving needs before making the switch.
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.
