Tire Size 215/55r17 vs 225/45r17
Are you considering switching from 215/55R17 to 225/45R17 tires? While this change may seem minor, it can have a significant impact on your vehicle’s performance, both on and off the road.
- Improved handling due to shorter sidewalls and reduced tire flex
- Firmer ride quality as a result of the lower sidewall height
- Slightly reduced fuel efficiency due to increased rolling resistance
- Potential speedometer inaccuracy, reading higher than actual speed
- Decreased sidewall protection for off-road driving hazards
215/55r17 vs 225/45r17 Table
The main difference between 215/55R17 and 225/45R17 tires lies in their sidewall height.
Fitment Guide
Switching from 215/55R17 to 225/45R17 tires results in a diameter difference of -5.1%, which exceeds the acceptable range of 3%. As a result, this interchange is not recommended without making necessary adaptations to prevent issues such as rubbing or clearance problems.
On-Road Impact
Switching to 225/45R17 tires can have both positive and negative effects on your vehicle’s on-road performance. Here are some key aspects to consider:
- Handling: The shorter sidewall of the 225/45R17 tires may provide sharper steering response and improved cornering stability, as the tire is less prone to flexing during aggressive maneuvers.
- Ride Comfort: Due to the reduced sidewall height, 225/45R17 tires may result in a firmer ride, as they have less cushioning to absorb road imperfections. This could be particularly noticeable on rough or uneven surfaces.
- Fuel Economy: The 225/45R17 tires have a larger contact patch with the road, which can lead to increased rolling resistance. This may slightly reduce your vehicle’s fuel efficiency compared to the 215/55R17 tires.
- Speedometer Accuracy: As the 225/45R17 tires have a smaller overall diameter, your vehicle’s speedometer may indicate a slightly higher speed than your actual speed. In the example provided, at a speedo reading of 20 mph, your actual speed would be 18.98 mph.
Off-Road Impact
If you frequently drive on off-road terrains, switching to 225/45R17 tires may have the following effects:
- Ground Clearance: The smaller overall diameter of the 225/45R17 tires may result in a slight reduction in ground clearance, which could affect your vehicle’s ability to navigate obstacles or uneven terrain.
- Traction: The wider tread of the 225/45R17 tires may provide better traction on loose surfaces like sand or gravel, as they have a larger contact area with the ground.
- Sidewall Protection: The shorter sidewall of the 225/45R17 tires may make them more susceptible to damage from rocks or other off-road hazards, as there is less sidewall to absorb impacts.
What is the Difference Between 215/55R17 and 225/45R17?
The main difference between 215/55R17 and 225/45R17 tires lies in their sidewall height. The 225/45R17 tires have a sidewall height that is 0.67 inches (17 mm) or 14.4% shorter than the 215/55R17 tires.
This difference in sidewall height can significantly impact the vehicle’s handling, ride comfort, and overall performance.
Can I Use 225/45R17 Instead of 215/55R17?
No, it is not recommended to use 225/45R17 tires instead of 215/55R17 tires. The overall diameter difference between these two tire sizes is approximately 1.34 inches (34 mm) or 5.1%, which exceeds the generally accepted 3% difference threshold.
Using tires with a diameter difference greater than 3% can adversely affect vehicle handling, speedometer accuracy, fuel efficiency, and overall safety.
How Much Taller Is a 215/55R17 Tire Than a 225/45R17?
A 215/55R17 tire is approximately 1.34 inches (34 mm) taller than a 225/45R17 tire. The overall diameter of the 215/55R17 tire is 26.31 inches (668.3 mm), while the 225/45R17 tire has a diameter of 24.97 inches (634.3 mm). The difference in height between these two tire sizes is 1.34 inches or 5.1%.
How Much Wider is a 225/45R17 Tire Than a 215/55R17?
A 225/45R17 tire is approximately 0.39 inches (10 mm) wider than a 215/55R17 tire. The width of the 225/45R17 tire is 8.86 inches (225 mm), while the width of the 215/55R17 tire is 8.46 inches (215 mm). The difference in width between these two tire sizes is 0.39 inches or 4.7%.
Our Observation
After analyzing the differences between 215/55R17 and 225/45R17 tires, we believe that switching to the latter may offer some benefits, such as improved handling and traction. However, these advantages come at the cost of a firmer ride, potentially reduced fuel efficiency, and a slightly inaccurate speedometer reading.
For on-road use, the differences in performance may be negligible for most drivers. However, if you frequently drive on rough or uneven surfaces, the reduced sidewall height of the 225/45R17 tires may result in a noticeably less comfortable ride.
When it comes to off-road driving, the wider tread of the 225/45R17 tires can provide better traction on loose surfaces, but the reduced sidewall height may make them more vulnerable to damage from rocks or other hazards.
Ultimately, whether switching from 215/55R17 to 225/45R17 tires is right for you depends on your specific driving needs and preferences.
If you prioritize handling and traction over ride comfort and fuel efficiency, making the switch might be worthwhile. However, if you value a smoother ride and better off-road protection, sticking with the 215/55R17 tires may be the better choice.
Meet Caitlin McCormack, a Tire Size Expert and Blogger Passionate About Everything Related to Tires. With Years of Experience in the Tire Industry, Caitlin Has Become an Expert in Tire Sizes and Their Impact on Vehicle Performance.