Tire Size 265/70r17 vs 285/70r17
Thinking about swapping your 265/70R17 tires for 285/70R17s? This change means bigger, wider tires that can affect your ride in several ways. Let’s explore what this switch could mean for your vehicle, both on and off the road.
- Diameter increases by 1.1 inches improving ground clearance
- Width expands by 0.79 inches potentially enhancing traction
- Sidewall height grows 0.55 inches possibly offering a smoother ride
- Tire circumference increases by 3.46 inches affecting speedometer accuracy
- Revolutions per mile decrease by 21.51 potentially impacting fuel efficiency
On-Road Impact
Switching to larger 285/70r17 tires can significantly affect your vehicle’s on-road performance. Here’s how:
- Speedometer Accuracy: The larger diameter of the 285/70r17 tires will cause your speedometer to read lower than your actual speed. At a speedometer reading of 20 mph, your actual speed will be about 20.7 mph. This difference increases at higher speeds, potentially leading to unintentional speeding.
- Handling: The wider tires may improve traction on dry roads, but they can also make steering feel heavier. The taller sidewalls might increase comfort by absorbing more road imperfections, but they can also lead to less responsive handling and increased body roll in corners.
- Fuel Economy: Larger, heavier tires require more energy to rotate, potentially decreasing fuel efficiency. The 3.5% increase in circumference means the engine has to work harder to turn the tires, which can lead to a slight drop in miles per gallon.
- Acceleration and Braking: The increased rotational mass of the larger tires can slightly reduce acceleration performance. However, the wider contact patch may improve braking distances on dry surfaces.
- Ride Comfort: The taller sidewalls of the 285/70r17 tires can absorb more road imperfections, potentially leading to a smoother ride. However, this can also result in a less “connected” feel to the road.
- Noise: Wider tires often generate more road noise, especially if they have a more aggressive tread pattern designed for off-road use.
Off-Road Impact
For off-road enthusiasts, the switch to 285/70r17 tires can bring several benefits:
- Ground Clearance: The 1.1-inch increase in diameter translates to about a 0.55-inch gain in ground clearance. This can be beneficial when navigating obstacles or rough terrain.
- Traction: The wider tires provide a larger contact patch with the ground, potentially improving traction in loose conditions like sand, mud, or gravel.
- Flotation: The increased width can help the tires “float” better on soft surfaces, reducing the chances of getting stuck.
- Durability: Larger tires often have stronger sidewalls, which can be beneficial in rocky terrain where sidewall cuts are a concern.
- Aesthetics: Many off-road enthusiasts prefer the look of larger tires, giving their vehicle a more aggressive and capable appearance.
- However, there are also some drawbacks to consider:
- Increased Strain: The larger tires put more strain on your vehicle’s suspension, steering, and drivetrain components, potentially leading to increased wear and tear.
- Reduced Low-End Torque: The taller gearing effect of larger tires can reduce the effective low-end torque, which might be noticeable when crawling over obstacles at low speeds.
Other Considerations
- Wheel Well Fitment: The larger tires may require modifications to your vehicle’s wheel wells or suspension to prevent rubbing, especially during turns or when the suspension is compressed.
- Vehicle Systems: Some vehicle systems, like anti-lock brakes (ABS), traction control, and stability control, may be calibrated based on the original tire size. The change might affect their performance, though usually not dramatically.
- Acceleration and Braking: The larger, heavier tires can slightly impact your vehicle’s acceleration and braking performance. You might notice a small decrease in initial acceleration and a slight increase in braking distance.
- Wear and Tear: The 285/70R17 tires have a larger circumference (102.76 inches vs 99.29 inches), which means they complete fewer revolutions per mile. This could potentially lead to slower wear over time, but it may also put additional stress on your vehicle’s drivetrain components.
What is the Difference Between 265/70r17 and 285/70r17?
The main differences are in diameter, width, and sidewall height. The 285/70r17 is 1.1 inches larger in diameter, 0.79 inches wider, and has a 0.55 inch taller sidewall.
It also has a larger circumference and fewer revolutions per mile compared to the 265/70r17.
Can I Use 285/70r17 Instead of 265/70r17?
Using 285/70r17 instead of 265/70r17 is not recommended. The difference in diameter is 3.5%, which exceeds the typically advised 3% limit.
This change could affect vehicle handling, speedometer accuracy, and overall performance. It’s best to consult with a professional before making such a significant tire size change.
How Much Taller Is a 285/70r17 Tire Than a 265/70r17?
A 285/70r17 tire is 1.1 inches (28 mm) taller than a 265/70r17 tire. The 265/70r17 has a diameter of 31.61 inches (802.8 mm), while the 285/70r17 has a diameter of 32.71 inches (830.8 mm). This represents a 3.5% increase in height.
How Much Wider is a 285/70r17 Tire Than a 265/70r17?
A 285/70r17 tire is 0.79 inches (20 mm) wider than a 265/70r17 tire. The 265/70r17 has a width of 10.43 inches (265 mm), while the 285/70r17 has a width of 11.22 inches (285 mm). This represents a 7.5% increase in width.
265/70r17 vs 285/70r17 Table
This comparison highlights the differences between 265/70R17 and 285/70R17 tires.
| Feature | 265/70R17 | 285/70R17 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter inches (mm) | 31.61 (802.8) | 32.71 (830.8) | 1.1 (28) +3.5% |
| Width inches (mm) | 10.43 (265) | 11.22 (285) | 0.79 (20) +7.5% |
| Circumference inches (mm) | 99.29 (2522.07) | 102.76 (2610.04) | 3.46 (87.96) +3.5% |
| Sidewall Height inches (mm) | 7.3 (185.5) | 7.85 (199.5) | 0.55 (14) +7.5% |
| Revolutions per mile (km) | 638.1 (396.5) | 616.6 (383.14) | -21.51 (-13.36) -3.4% |
| Speedometer Difference | 20 mph | 20.7 mph | +0.7 mph |
Our Observation
Switching from 265/70r17 to 285/70r17 tires offers a mix of benefits and drawbacks. Off-road, the increased size provides noticeable improvements in ground clearance and traction, enhancing overall capability.
On-road, the differences are less pronounced but still significant. The smoother ride and improved dry traction are positives, but reduced fuel efficiency and altered handling dynamics are concerns.
The 3.5% diameter difference, while exceeding recommendations, may be manageable with proper modifications. Ultimately, this switch is best suited for those prioritizing off-road performance and willing to accept some on-road compromises.
Sabrina Khan Tisha, a lead writer at Tiresizecompare.com, brings a wealth of experience to her role. As the CEO of amarcalculator.com, she oversees a platform offering diverse calculation tools. Sabrina’s background in HR and office management, coupled with her numerous certifications, informs her approach to content creation. Her leadership and expertise contribute significantly to the automotive and calculation sectors.
