Tire Size 215/45r17 vs 225/45r17

215/45r17 vs 225/45r17

The main difference between 215/45r17 and 225/45r17 tire sizes is the section width. The 215/45r17 has a narrower 215mm section width, while the 225/45r17 is 10mm wider at 225mm. This width difference impacts various performance factors between the two tire sizes.

Tire Size 215 45r17 vs 225 45r17

Fitment Guide

With a 1.4% larger overall diameter, the 225/45R17 tire size is still within the 3% limit for directly replacing 215/45R17 tires.

No adaptations like leveling kits are needed to fit 225/45R17 tires on wheels designed for 215/45R17 tires. The 225/45R17 may have slightly less wheel well clearance at full lock or suspension compression.

Ground Clearance

The 225/45R17 tire size provides 4.5mm (0.18 inches) more ground clearance than the 215/45R17, thanks to its taller sidewall profile. This extra clearance is beneficial for navigating obstacles or rough terrain.

225 45r17 In Inches

Gas Mileage

With a lighter overall weight and smaller contact patch, the narrower 215/45R17 tire confers slightly better fuel efficiency over the 225/45R17.

The 225’s extra rolling resistance and rotational mass have a small detrimental effect on gas mileage.

Ride Comfort

Both tire sizes provide a comfortable ride, but the 225/45R17’s extra 4.5mm of sidewall cushioning gives it a slight edge in absorbing impacts from cracks and bumps. The more flexible sidewall results in a marginally smoother ride over uneven surfaces.

Aesthetics

Visually, the differences are subtle. The 225/45R17 will appear slightly “stretched” with its extra 4.7% sidewall height compared to the 215/45R17. Trucks and SUVs often suit this subtly taller sidewall aesthetic.

225 45r17 In Inches

Handling & Stability

The 215/45R17’s shorter sidewall enables crisper handling and quicker turn-in response on pavement than the 225/45R17.

However, both deliver stable, responsive handling for everyday driving conditions.

Noise & Vibration

With a shorter, stiffer sidewall, the 215/45R17 transmits marginally more road noise and vibration into the cabin versus the 225/45R17.

However, noise and vibration differences are minor, with both sizes providing a quiet, comfortable ride.

Durability & Wear

The narrower 215/45R17 may exhibit slightly more even tire wear and marginally longer tread life than the 225/45R17.

The wider 225 tire places higher stress on suspension components, which could introduce extra wear.

Adverse Conditions

Both tires perform well overall in wet, snowy, or muddy conditions. The narrower 215/45R17 can sometimes cut through snow more effectively, while the wider 225/45R17 provides a bit more traction. Performance differences are modest at most.

Speedometer Difference

Due to its larger overall diameter, the 225/45R17 causes the speedometer to read 0.66mph faster than the 215/45R17 at an actual speed of 20mph. This speedometer discrepancy is relatively small but should be considered.

Can I use 225/45R17 instead of 215/45r17?

The 215/45r17 tire has an overall diameter of 24.62 inches (625.3 mm), and the 225/45R17 tire has a diameter of 24.97 inches (634.3 mm). The difference in diameter between these two tire sizes is around 0.35 inches (or 9 mm), equating to a 1.4% difference.

Since this is less than the recommended maximum difference of 3%, using a 225/45R17 tire instead of a 215/45r17 should be possible.

Can I put a 225/45R17 on a 215/45r17?

The question of whether you can mount a 225/45R17 tire on a 215/45r17 largely depends on the rim width range. The recommended rim width range for the 215/45r17 tire is 7.0-8.0 inches, while for the 225/45R17 tire, the range is slightly wider, between 7.0-8.5 inches.

Given these specifications, it should be possible to mount a 225/45R17 tire on a rim designed for a 215/45r17, as long as the rim width is within the specified range.

Our Observation
In summary, while differences are modest, the 225/45R17 tire size provides slightly more ground clearance, ride comfort, and improved aesthetics over the 215/45R17, at the expense of marginally higher rolling resistance and slower speedometer reading.

Performance is otherwise comparable between the two tire sizes for most drivers. Consider needs and driving conditions when choosing between these two popular 17-inch tire sizes.

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