Tire Size 225/45r17 vs 235/45r17
Considering upgrading your 225/45r17 tires to 235/45r17? Understanding the differences is key to making an informed decision for optimal performance and safety. Let’s dive in and explore the impact of this tire size change.
- Improved traction and stability, especially in off-road situations
- Slightly firmer ride due to reduced sidewall flex
- Minor decrease in fuel efficiency due to increased rolling resistance
- Negligible speedometer discrepancy of 0.28 mph at 20 mph reading
- Potential for faster tire wear, particularly on rough surfaces
Fitment Guide
In this case, the diameter difference between 225/45r17 and 235/45r17 is 1.4%, well within the acceptable range. This means that switching from 225/45r17 to 235/45r17 is feasible without major modifications.
On-Road Impact
Switching to a slightly wider tire can have various effects on your vehicle’s on-road performance. Let’s explore some key aspects:
- Ground Clearance: The 0.35-inch (9 mm) increase in overall diameter may slightly raise your vehicle’s ground clearance, but the difference is negligible for most applications.
- Gas Mileage: The wider 235/45r17 tires have a larger contact patch, which may result in a minor increase in rolling resistance. This could lead to a slight decrease in fuel efficiency, but the impact is likely to be minimal in real-world driving conditions.
- Ride Comfort: The wider tires may provide a slightly firmer ride due to the reduced sidewall flex. However, the difference in sidewall height is only 0.18 inches (4.5 mm), so the impact on ride comfort should be barely noticeable.
- Speedometer Accuracy: The 1.4% difference in tire diameter will cause a slight speedometer discrepancy. At a speedo reading of 20 mph (32.19 km/h), the actual speed would be 20.28 mph (32.64 km/h). This difference is minimal and unlikely to cause any significant issues.
- Durability & Wear: The wider tires may offer improved stability and handling, but the increased width could lead to slightly faster wear, especially if the vehicle is frequently driven on rough or uneven surfaces.
Off-Road Impact
If you occasionally venture off-road, the switch to 235/45r17 tires can bring some benefits:
- Traction: The wider tires provide a larger contact patch, which can enhance traction on loose or slippery surfaces like gravel or mud.
- Stability: The increased width can also improve stability and handling on uneven terrain, providing more confidence when navigating off-road trails.
However, keep in mind that the overall diameter increase is minimal, so the impact on ground clearance and approach/departure angles will be negligible for most off-road scenarios.
What is the Main Difference Between 225/45r17 and 235/45r17?
The main difference between 225/45r17 and 235/45r17 tires is the width, with the 235/45r17 being 0.39 inches (10 mm) wider than the 225/45r17.
225/45r17 vs 235/45r17
| Feature | 225/45R17 | 235/45R17 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter inches (mm) | 24.97 (634.3) | 25.33 (643.3) | 0.35 (9) +1.4% |
| Width inches (mm) | 8.86 (225) | 9.25 (235) | 0.39 (10) +4.4% |
| Circumference inches (mm) | 78.45 (1992.71) | 79.57 (2020.99) | 1.11 (28.27) +1.4% |
| Sidewall Height inches (mm) | 3.99 (101.25) | 4.16 (105.75) | 0.18 (4.5) +4.4% |
| Revolutions per mile (km) | 807.61 (501.83) | 796.32 (494.81) | -11.3 (-7.02) -1.4% |
| Speedo Reading | 20 mph (32.19 km/h) | 20.28 mph (32.64 km/h) | +0.28 mph |
Can I Use 235/45r17 Instead of 225/45r17?
Yes, you can use 235/45r17 tires instead of 225/45r17 because the overall diameter difference is only 1.4%, which is within the acceptable 3% range.
How Much Taller Is a 235/45r17 Tire Than a 225/45r17?
A 235/45r17 tire is approximately 0.35 inches (9 mm) taller than a 225/45r17 tire, with the overall diameters being 25.33 inches and 24.97 inches, respectively.
How Much Wider is a 235/45r17 Tire Than a 225/45r17?
A 235/45r17 tire is 0.39 inches (10 mm) wider than a 225/45r17 tire, with the widths being 9.25 inches and 8.86 inches, respectively.
Our Observation
Upgrading from 225/45r17 to 235/45r17 tires offers several benefits, such as improved traction, stability, and handling, especially in off-road situations. The 1.4% difference in overall diameter is within the acceptable range, making this switch feasible without major modifications.
However, there are some minor drawbacks to consider, such as a potential slight decrease in fuel efficiency and a minimally firmer ride. The speedometer discrepancy is also negligible, with only a 0.28 mph difference at a 20 mph reading.
Ultimately, the decision to switch from 225/45r17 to 235/45r17 tires depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize improved handling and off-road performance, and the minor trade-offs are acceptable, then making the switch could be a worthwhile upgrade for your vehicle.
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.
