Last updated on March 27, 2023 byRoger Evans
There are many factors to consider when choosing the right tires for your vehicle, including size, tread pattern and load capacity. The two most commonly used tire sizes for SUVs and trucks are 245/75R17 and 265/70R17.
Although these tire sizes may seem similar at first glance, some critical differences can affect your vehicle's performance. The tire width, which varies between two sizes, primarily determines its reaction to the road surface.
In this article, I compare the 245/75R17 and 265/70R17 tire sizes and discuss the impact of each on a safe and comfortable ride. Recognizing the differences between these tire sizes will help you choose the best size for your vehicle.
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Tire size 245 75r17 vs 265 70r17 - comparison table
Here's a quick summary of the differences between the 245/75R17 and 265/70R17 tire sizes before we get into the details.
| Characteristics | 245 75r17 | 265 70r17 | Differences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Diameter (inches) | 31,47 ca | 31,61 ca | 0,14 kcal |
| aspect ratio | 75% | 70% | 5% |
| krug | 98,86 ca | 99,29 ca | 0,43 ca |
| Side wall height | 7,23 ca | 7.3 kilograms | 0,07 kg |
| Width | 245 mm | 265 mm | 20 mm |
| Cross section width | 9,65 ca | 10,43 ca | 0,78 ca |
| Wire thickness | 9.6 kilograms | 10,4 kcal | 0,8 ca |
| Revolutions per mile | 640,9 | 638.1 | 2.8 |
| Ray | 15,73 ca | 15,80 ca | 0,07 kg |
| Select the diameter | 17 kali | 17 kali | Nick |
| Rim width range | 6,50 – 8 kali | 7-9 kali | 0,5 – 1 kal |
| Speedometer reading (km/h) | 60 kilometers per hour | 60 kilometers per hour | Nick |
| Actual speed (km/h) | 60.3 kilometers per hour | 59.7 kilometers per hour | 0,6 km/u (0,17 m/s) |
Tire size 245 75r17 vs 265 70r17 - detailed comparison
I will now go into detail about the dimensions of the 245/75R17 and 265/70R17 tires and compare them in terms of performance and comfort.
Overall diameter
- The overall diameter is the diameter of the entire tire, inflated and on the wheel.
- The overall diameter of the tire is determined by the distance between the outer edges when the tire is mounted and fully inflated.
- This measurement includes the tread, sidewall and other dimensions of the tire.
- Tire diameter affects speedometer accuracy, fuel consumption and driving characteristics.
The 245/75R17 tire has an approximate diameter of 31.47 inches. The 265/70R17 tire has an approximate diameter of 31.61 inches. Based on these measurements, the 265/70R17 tire is approximately 2 mm larger in diameter than the 245/75R17 tire.
This means that the 265/70R17 tire has a slightly larger diameter and travels a slightly larger distance with each revolution.
aspect ratio
- A tire's width-to-width ratio is the ratio of sidewall height to width.
- It is usually expressed as a percentage and can be found in the tire size code on the sidewall.
- The tire size "245/75R17" has an aspect ratio of 75, which means that the sidewall height is 75% of the width. So the height of the walls would be 0.75 times 245 millimeters or 183.75 mm.
- A lower aspect ratio means a wider profile and probably a sharper ride, but better handling and steering response.
The 245/75R17 tires have a sidewall aspect ratio of 75%. 265/70R17 has an aspect ratio of 70%. The difference in proportions is 5%. The difference in ratios between the two tire sizes is relatively small.
This may not matter to the average consumer when purchasing tires. However, the 265/70R17 tire has a slightly higher aspect ratio than the 245/75R17 tire, making it slightly taller overall.
krug
- A tire's circumference is the distance around the outside edge, usually expressed in inches.
- Tire size is approximate circumference.
- Actual range may vary depending on tire construction, wear and tire pressure.
The circumference of the 245/75R17 tire is approximately 98.86 inches. The circumference of the 265/70R17 tire is approximately 99.29 inches. The difference in volume between the two tires is 0.43 inches.
The circumference of the 265/70R17 tire is slightly larger, about 0.04 percent longer than the circumference of the 245/75R17 tire.
Side wall height
- Sidewall height refers to the distance between the rim of the tire and the outer edge of the tire tread, measured vertically.
- Tires with shorter sidewalls usually provide better handling and stability at high speeds.
- Tires with higher sidewalls generally provide a smoother ride and better damping on rough roads.
The 245/75R17 tire has a sidewall height of approximately 7.23 inches. The 265/70R17 tire has a sidewall height of approximately 7.30 inches. The 265/70R17 tire has a slightly higher sidewall than the 245/75R17 tire.
Although the difference is only 0.07 inches, it can change the overall diameter and volume of the tire. The 265/70R17 tire is wider, but the 245/75R17 tire is bigger.
Width
- Width refers to the measurement of the tire from one sidewall to the other in millimeters.
- This is usually the first digit in the tire size label.
- Throughput is a key factor in its performance.
- A wider tire can make the car more stable and increase contact with the road, improving handling and traction. However, it can also reduce fuel consumption.
- In terms of fuel consumption and handling, tires can behave differently depending on the type of vehicle.
The width of the 245/75R17 tire is 245 mm, which is less than the width of the 265/70R17 tire, which is 265 mm. Their widths differ by 20 mm.
This means that the 265/70R17 tire has a larger contact surface with the road than the 245/75R17 tire. This will give the 265/70R17 tire more grip and stability.
Cross section width
- The section width (also called the cross-section width) of a tire is the horizontal distance across the tread, measured from sidewall to sidewall, excluding raised letters, decorations or protective ribs.
- Sectional width is measured when the tire is mounted and inflated to the specified rim width.
- It is usually measured at the widest part of the tire tread.
- If a tire has a section width of 245mm, the sidewall will be 245mm when mounted on a rim of the specified width and inflated to the recommended pressure.
The width of the 245/75R17 tire section is 9.65 inches. The width of the 265/70R17 tire section is 10.43 inches. The difference in section width between 245/75R17 and 265/70R17 tires is approximately 0.78 inches.
This means that the 265/70R17 tire is slightly wider than the 245/75R17 tire. This gives the 265/70R17 tire better grip and handling, especially when wet or slippery.
Wire thickness
- Tread width refers to the width of the part of the tire that is in contact with the road.
- This is the width of the tire's contact patch at its widest point, from left to right.
- The width of the tire profile can affect tire wear.
- A wider tread can wear more evenly and last longer than a narrower tread.
- The tire manufacturer specifies the tread width, which is usually measured in millimeters or inches.
The tread width of the 245/75R17 tire is 9.6 inches. The tread width of the 265/70R17 tire is 10.4 inches. The difference between their tread widths is about 0.8 inches. This means that the 265/70R17 tire has a larger contact surface with the road.
Revolutions Per Mile (RPM)
- A tire's revolutions per mile (RPM) is the number of revolutions a tire makes on its axis when the vehicle travels one mile.
- The rotational speed of a tire depends on several factors such as size, aspect ratio, overall diameter, gear ratio and speed.
- To calculate tire rotation speed, divide the distance traveled in one minute (in feet) by the circumference of the tire (in feet).
- Tire RPM can change in response to changes in vehicle speed, load, tire pressure, and tire wear.
The RPM of the 245/75R17 tire is approximately 640. The RPM of the 265/70R17 tire is approximately 638. The RPM difference between the two tires is only 2 RPM, which is relatively small.
However, the difference in rpm can affect speedometer and odometer accuracy, fuel consumption and performance.
Ray
- The tire radius is the distance between the center and the outer edge or rim.
- The radius determines the overall size of the tire, which affects performance and handling.
- Tires with a larger radius have more volume and travel further with each revolution.
- Larger radius tires can be harder to handle and use more fuel due to their heavier weight and less maneuverability.
- To determine the radius, divide the total diameter of the tire in half. A 20 inch diameter tire would have a 10 inch radius.
The 245/75R17 tire has a radius of 15.73 inches. The 265/70R17 tire has a radius of 15.80 inches. The beam difference between them is about 0.07 inches, which is relatively small. In my experience, the radius of a particular tire has no effect on the tire unless the difference is large.
Select the diameter
- Rim diameter refers to the size of the rim on which the tire is designed.
- Measure the distance between the edges of the edge passing through the center.
- If the tire rim diameter is different from the wheel diameter, the tire will not fit properly and may affect safety, handling and braking.
- The diameter of the edge is crucial. The number after the "R" in the tire size indicates the size of the rim.
245/75R17 has a rim diameter of 17 inches. The 265/70R17 tire also has a rim diameter of 17 inches. This means that both tires have the same rim diameter and wheel size and can be mounted on the same chassis.
Rim width range
- A tire's rim width range refers to the recommended rim width range that is safe and effective for a specific tire size.
- A tire with a rim width of 6.5 to 8.5 inches is suitable for wheels with a width of 6.5 to 8.5 inches.
- Tire handling, vehicle stability and tire life can be compromised if you choose a rim width that is too narrow or too wide for what the manufacturer recommends.
The 245/75R17 tire has a rim width of 6.50 to 8 inches. The 265/70R17 tire has a rim width of 7 to 9 inches. This means that a 245/75R17 tire is suitable for a rim width of 6.50 to 8 inches, and a 265/70R17 tire for a rim width of 7 to 9 inches.
The difference between the rim width of the two tire sizes means that they are made for different types of rims. The 245/75R17 tire is more suitable for narrow rims, and the 265/70R17 tire is more suitable for wider rims.
Read the speedometer
- The speedometer reading is the speed displayed on the vehicle's dashboard
- The speed sensor determines the speedometer reading.
The speedometer on the 245/75R17 tire reads approximately 80 miles per hour (mph) at 60 mph, while the speedometer on the 265/70R17 tire reads approximately 85 mph at 60 mph.
This means that at the same speed, a 265/70R17 tire will result in a faster speedometer reading than a 245/75R17 tire. This is because the larger diameter 265/70R17 tire causes it to turn in faster than the smaller diameter 245/75R17 tire.
This speedometer error is very small. The difference between tires of different sizes is small and will not cause problems on the highway.
Actual speed (km/h)
- The actual speed of the car is the speed at which it is moving.
- However, the actual speed may depend on several factors, such as the size and condition of the tires, as well as the calibration of the speedometer.
With a 60 km/h speedometer, the 245/75R17 tire is traveling at 60.3 km/h (approximately 16.75 m/s). Although both tires read 60 km/h on the speedometer, the 265/70R17 is traveling at 59.7 km/h (approximately 16.58 m/s).
Their actual speeds differ by 0.6 km/h (0.17 m/s). So if the two tires were traveling at the same speed, the 245/75R17 tire would travel almost 600 meters farther than the 265/70R17 tire.
A 245/75R17 tire is approximately 0.17 m/s faster than a 265/70R17 tire when both are traveling at 60 km/h.
Tire size 245 75r17 vs 265 70r17 - additional comparison table
| Building material | Synthetic rubber, durable rubber | Synthetic rubber, durable rubber | Nick |
| Type of construction | Radially | Radially | Nick |
| Tire price | 100 – 500 USD | 100 – 800 USD | |
| Luz | The clearance changes to 2 mm |
Building material
245/75R17 and 265/70R17 are tires that are mainly used in SUVs and off-road vehicles. These tires use synthetic rubber in the inner lining and durable rubber in the tread. They use nylon and polyester for their body.
Type of construction
- The type of tire construction refers to how the tire is constructed or manufactured.
- There are basically two types of tire designs: diagonal and radial.
What is a radial tire?
- Radial tires have cords or plies that run perpendicular to the direction of travel and radially from the center.
- Radial tires have steel or synthetic cords or plies that extend from the center.
- Radial tires use less fuel, last longer and drive better at high speeds.
- Radial tires are smoother and more puncture resistant than cross tires.
The 245/75R17 tire has a radial structure. The 265/70R17 tire is also manufactured using the same radial plying method.
This means that both tires have excellent radial ply technology. In terms of durability, both tires are comparable, so you don't have to worry about this element.
Tire price
The 245/75R17 and 265/70R17 tires are wide and grippy. They are usually found in SUVs and trucks. Since their features and sizes are similar, their prices are generally similar.
Depending on the brand and quality, a 245/75R17 tire can cost as little as $100 or as much as $500. The 265/70R17 tire is wider than the 245/75R17 tire.
For this reason, it costs more than the 245/75R17 tire. A 265/70R17 tire costs between 100 and 800 euros, depending on the brand and quality.
Luz
- Clearance is the amount of space between the tire and other parts of the car, such as the suspension, fenders and wheel arches.
- When choosing a tire size, it is important to make sure there is enough clearance between the tire and the vehicle to avoid wear or other problems that could damage the tire or the vehicle.
- The clearance you need will depend on your vehicle, tire size and things like suspension settings and driving style.
The difference in clearance between the 245/75R17 and the 265/70R17 is 2 mm or 0.1 inch.
In my experience, the 245/75R17 and 265/70R17 tires are excellent. However, I think there is a clear winner here. After learning about the differences between 245/75R17 and 265/70R17 tires, the 245/75R17 is the better choice for most people. I chose the 245/75R17 for several important reasons.
Although they are about the same width, the 245 tire is slightly smaller in diameter and circumference than the 265 tire. This makes it easier to control and reduces rolling resistance. The 245 also has a few more rpm, which allows it to go a little further.
245/75R17 has more acceleration compared to 265/70R17. I recommend the 245/75R17 tire if you are looking for a tire that is easy to drive and lasts a long time.
Application
In this article, I've covered everything you need to know about 245/75R17 and 265/70R17 tire sizes. When comparing 245/75R17 tires to 265/70R17 tires, it's important to consider your vehicle's specific needs and driving style.
The 265/70R17's wider tread can help with handling and cornering, but the 245/75R17's taller sidewalls and smaller overall diameter improve traction and stability off-road and when carrying heavy loads. Due to the higher weight index, the 245/75R17 tire may also be a better choice for vehicles that must carry more weight.
FAQs
Tire size 245 75r17 vs 265 70r17: find the comparison? ›
The numbers related to the profile (70/75) are percentages of the tyre width, measured in millimetres. So a 245/75/16 tyre is 183.75 mm tall on the sidewall. A 265/70/16 is 185.5 mm tall on the sidewall. That's a difference of 1.75 mm.
What is the difference between 245 75 and 265 70 tires? ›The numbers related to the profile (70/75) are percentages of the tyre width, measured in millimetres. So a 245/75/16 tyre is 183.75 mm tall on the sidewall. A 265/70/16 is 185.5 mm tall on the sidewall. That's a difference of 1.75 mm.
What is the next size up from a 245 75R17? ›| Tire Size | Min | Max |
|---|---|---|
| 245/75R17 | 6.50in | 8.00in |
| 285/65R17 | 8.00in | 10.00in |
| 265/70R17 | 7.00in | 9.00in |
| 235/80R17 | 6.00in | 7.50in |
| Unit: Imperial Imperial Metric | |
|---|---|
| Section Width | 10.43 in |
| Rim Diameter | 17.00 in |
| Rim Width Range | 7.00 in - 9.00 in |
| Overall Diameter | 31.61 in |
What size tire is 265/70R17 in Inches? The 265/70R17 tire has an overall diameter of 31.6 inches, a section width of 10.4 inches, and can be mounted on 17 x 7.0-9.0 inches rim. The equivalent tire size in the high flotation system is 31.6x10.
Is a 70 or 75 tire taller? ›The higher the number, the taller the sidewall (and vice versa). From the foregoing, it appears that tires with the same section width should have the same width regardless of aspect ratio.
What tire dimensions are considered to be the most important? ›Tire Diameter
No matter what type of vehicle you're picking tires for, one of the most important specifications to consider is the tire's overall diameter. Tire diameter refers to the height of the tire from the road to the top of the tread.
A 245 is 245 millimeters, or 24.5 centimeters, wide. The tread width is actually somewhat smaller than the tire's actual width. 45: Aspect Ratio. This is the sidewall's height from the inside diameter to the outside diameter.
What size tire cover for 245 75r17? ›Expert Reply: A 245/75-17 tire would be right at 31-1/2 inches in diameter according to my math which I checked with an online tire diameter calculator. Given that, the Rampage # RA773215 Spare Tire Cover you'd looked at would work just fine for you.
What size tire is equivalent to a 245? ›| Metric | Standard |
|---|---|
| 235/70/16 | 29.0"x 9.3" |
| 235/85/16 | 31.7"x 9.3" |
| 245/70/16 | 29.5"x 9.6" |
| 245/75/16 | 30.5"x 9.6" |
How much wider should a tire be than the rim? ›
| Difference from Measuring Rim | Rim Width | Approximate Tire Section Width |
|---|---|---|
| Measuring Rim | 6.0" | 8.23" |
| 0.5" wider | 6.5" | 8.43" |
| 1.0" wider | 7.0" | 8.63" |
| 1.5" wider | 7.5" | 8.83" |
To keep the suspension and speedometer functioning correctly, both the stock diameter and width of the wheels and tires need to be maintained. As a general rule of thumb, it's safe to fit a tire up to 20 millimeters wider than stock on the original rim.
Should rim size be same as tire size? ›Width and diameter are the two factors that determine tire and rim compatibility. For diameter you'll need to be sure that your tires and wheels are an exact match, e.g. a 215/65R17 tire will only fit on a 17" diameter wheel. There's a bit more flexibility when it comes to wheel widths.
What does 265 75r17 mean? ›265 is the width, 70 is the aspect ratio, R stands for radial, 17 is the wheel diameter and 115T is the load index and speed symbol. Cookie Settings.
Are 265 or 275 tires wider? ›Going from 265 to 275 is fine on your car and you should not notice any difference in driving. It's less than a 4% difference in width: 10/265 = 0.0377).
What does R17 mean on a tire? ›Size of the wheel
After the letter R, a number that indicates the wheel size where it fits. So for the example, P225/45R17 91V, R17 means the tire is made of radial-ply construction and that it fits a 17-inch rim.
Wider tires have an increased risk of hydroplaning on slippery or wet surfaces, but they generally provide better grip for dry surfaces. Narrow tires will offer better traction in slippery conditions, but they are generally better for lighter vehicles.
Why are taller tires better? ›Larger wheels offer better traction, and because they have more rubber on the tire, this also means a better grip on the road. Larger tires are better for car cornering and handling than your regular tires. They also reduce the braking distance and improve braking overall, adding to safety.
Do taller tires handle better? ›Simply put, the larger your tire, the more of a grip your vehicle has on the road. As a tire's width increases, it covers more surface area on the road. According to iSee Cars, this increase in contact with the pavement gives your vehicle more to hold onto, increasing its handling and ability to maneuver.
Should all 4 tires be the same size? ›For optimal safety and performance, Continental recommends fitting the same tires to every wheel position on your car, so drivers should have the same brand, size, tread pattern, load index, and speed rating on the front and rear tires.
Which tires matter the most? ›
Rear tires provide the vehicle stability, and if they have little tread, then stability is lost. Although new front tires will spread water and maintain traction, worn tires in the back will hydroplane and may cause the vehicle to spin out, says Tire Review.
Do all 4 tires need to be same width? ›It should go without saying, but all wheel drive and four wheel drives vehicles should have the same tire size on all four wheels. Having different sizes on some four wheel and all wheel drive vehicles can actually do damage to the vehicle.
Can I put 245 tires on 265 rims? ›Yes you can replace 265 with the 245 size tire.
Are wider tires OK? ›From a safety point of view, both types have their good sides: On a dry road, wider tires will offer more grip than narrow ones, but the risk of aquaplaning will be higher with wide tires. – In the winter, narrow tires are better under extreme conditions as they provide higher surface pressure against the road.
Can tires be too wide? ›Changing the tire section width
And it's not uncommon that original equipment wheels can accommodate a wider tire size than stock. However, fitment of a tire that's too wide can result in contact with various vehicle components, and vehicle damage ranging from minor to significant is possible.
Size 245 75 R17 starting at: $34.99. Tires in stock: 515.
What does 245 75 tire mean? ›This is the measurement of the tire's tread width, from sidewall-to-sidewall (measured in millimeters). A P225/60R16 tire is 225mm wide. An LT245/75R16 is 245mm wide. The second set of numbers is called the 'aspect ratio'. This refers to the sidewall height as a percentage of the tread width.
How do you tell what size tires you can fit? ›Find the information in your vehicle owner's manual in the glove compartment or on the tire information sticker on your driver's side door. Usually those elements contain all the information related to your tire size and specifications as well as the appropriate tire pressure.
What does a 265 tire equal to? ›For example a LT265/75R16 would be around 31.6 inches tall and 10 inches wide.
Is there a big difference between 245 and 235 tires? ›Summary. Overall in a comparison of 235 vs 245 tires, 245 tires come with a wider footprint which enables better wet/snow/ice braking performances compared to a 235 tire. However a 235 width tire having a narrow footprint has a better noise performance compared to a 245 width tire.
Which tire is taller 255 or 245? ›
What is the Height Difference Between 245 and 255 Tires? The height difference can vary, but it is approximately 10 mm. 255 tires are higher and increase the vehicle's height to a little extent.
What happens if you put too wide of a tire on a rim? ›What happens if you put a wide tire on a narrow rim? If a tire that's too wide for a rim is mounted, the tire shape becomes too tall and round, like a lollipop or lightbulb, and then it becomes floppy at the top because the casing is constricted. This can result in poor cornering performance and tire squirm.
What size wheels are best for handling? ›“For ideal handling: when sizing a wheel for a given tire, I usually target the WHEEL to be the same width as the tire's TREAD width, or 0.5” wider.”
What happens if you put the wrong size tire on a rim? ›If they're too big they can cause clearance problems inside the wheel well, and when turning, the tires may contact the fender liners creating an ungodly noise and limiting steering movement — not something you want if you ever have to pull an emergency maneuver.
Do bigger tires give a smoother ride? ›Avoid bigger wheels if you want a smoother ride.
As a general rule, bigger wheels result in a rougher ride. Switching to a smaller wheel and a thicker tire can give you a smoother ride without any major modifications to your car.
Wider tires have increased rolling resistance, which boosts the vehicle's fuel consumption as well. Additionally, the wider footprint also generates higher noise levels, diminishing comfort levels throughout the drive. Pros: Exceptional dry and wet weather traction.
Do I need alignment with wider wheels? ›When the tire size is different from the factory, a car's alignment will need to be adjusted after a tire change. This is because tires that are wider or taller than original equipment tires stretch the suspension slightly and cause changes in camber and caster angles, as well as toe angles.
Are bigger wheels more fuel efficient? ›Larger tires decrease your fuel economy because they are heavier, while smaller tires increase fuel efficiency. Bigger tires also have a higher rolling resistance than smaller tires which means they require more resistance and effort to get them rolling.
What does LT mean on tires? ›An “LT” on your sidewall before that long string of numbers and letters denoting your tire size signifies the tire is a "Light Truck-metric" size; it was designed for use on a vehicle that carries heavy cargo loads or tows a large trailer.
How wide of a rim for 265 tire? ›| Rim width | Minimum tire width | Ideal tire width |
|---|---|---|
| 9,5 Inches | 245 mm | 255 or 265 mm |
| 10,0 Inches | 255 mm | 265 or 275 mm |
| 10,5 Inches | 265 mm | 275 or 285 mm |
| 11,0 Inches | 275 mm | 285 or 295 mm |
How tall is a 275 70 17 tire? ›
| Unit: Imperial Imperial Metric | |
|---|---|
| Overall Diameter | 32.16 in |
| Sidewall Height | 7.58 in |
| Radius | 16.08 in |
| Circumference | 101.03 in |
While it's fine to put narrower tyres on the front and wider on the back, it's pointless to put wider tyres on just one side of the car. This would change the weight balance and would mean one side of the vehicle would grip differently to the road when braking. It would change the cornering dynamic, too.
Should rear tires be wider than front? ›You may also notice that some enthusiasts instead choose a much wider tire for the rear axles as compared to what they put up front. The theory behind this is that it gives you as much rubber as possible to transmit power to the pavement, thus ensuring excellent traction for higher horsepower, rear-wheel drive cars.
How much difference in tire size is acceptable? ›Generally, you don't want to go with tires that have a diameter that is more than 3% different from the factory tires.
Does the middle number in tire size matter? ›The two-digit number after the slash mark in a tire size is the aspect ratio. For example, in a size P215/65 R15 tire, the 65 means that the height is equal to 65% of the tire's width. The bigger the aspect ratio, the bigger the tire's sidewall will be.
What does the 265 and 70 mean on a tire? ›How to read your tire size long description. An arrow points to the numbers 265/70R17 115T on the inner part of the tire sidewall. 265 is the width, 70 is the aspect ratio, R stands for radial, 17 is the wheel diameter and 115T is the load index and speed symbol.