Tire Size 235/75r16 vs 245/75r16
The tire sizes 235/75r16 and 245/75r16 are very similar, with the main difference being that the 245 tire is 0.59 inches (15 mm) wider than the 235 tire.
This means that the 245 tire will have a slightly larger contact patch with the road, which can improve handling and traction. However, the 245 tire will also have a slightly higher rolling resistance, which can reduce fuel efficiency.
245/75r16 vs 235/75r16 Table
For a comprehensive breakdown of the variances between 235/75r16 and 245/75r16 tire sizes, check out this handy comparison table.
| Feature | 245/75r16 | 235/75r16 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter inches | 30.47 (773.9) | 29.88 (758.9) | -0.59 (-15) |
| Width inches | 9.65 (245) | 9.25 (235) | -0.39 (-10) |
| Circum. inches | 95.72 (2431.28) | 93.86 (2384.15) | -1.86 (-47.12) |
| Sidewall Height | 7.23 (183.75) | 6.94 (176.25) | -0.3 (-7.5) |
| Revolutions | 661.93 (411.31) | 675.02 (419.44) | 13.08 (8.13) |
Tire Diameter
Starting with the diameter, the 245/75R16 tire has an overall diameter of 30.47 inches (773.9 mm), while the 235/75R16 tire has a slightly smaller diameter of 29.88 inches (758.9 mm). The difference here is 0.59 inches (15 mm), making the 245/75R16 tire approximately 1.9% larger in diameter.
This small difference in diameter can directly impact the speedometer reading. A larger diameter tire, like the 245/75R16, will cause the speedometer to read at a slower speed than the actual vehicle speed because the tire covers more ground in one revolution.
Section Width
As for the width or section width, the 245/75R16 tire has a width of 9.65 inches (245 mm), whereas the 235/75R16 tire measures 9.25 inches (235 mm). This 0.39-inch (10 mm) difference represents a 4.1% decrease in width for the 235/75R16 tire.
A wider tire, such as the 245/75R16, tends to have better traction due to a larger contact patch with the road. However, it may lead to increased road resistance, affecting the fuel economy negatively.
Circumference
Moving on to the circumference, the 245/75R16 tire’s circumference measures 95.72 inches (2431.28 mm) against the 235/75R16 tire’s 93.86 inches (2384.15 mm). This 1.86-inch (47.12 mm) difference signifies a 1.9% smaller 235/75R16 tire circumference.
A larger circumference will result in fewer revolutions per mile, contributing to a slower wear rate. Conversely, the smaller circumference of the 235/75R16 tire implies more revolutions per mile and potentially faster tread wear.
Sidewall Height
The 245/75R16 tire has a sidewall height of 7.23 inches (183.75 mm), while the 235/75R16 tire’s sidewall measures 6.94 inches (176.25 mm). The difference, a 0.3-inch (7.5 mm) decrease, equates to a 4.1% shorter sidewall for the 235/75R16 tire.
A taller sidewall provides a more comfortable ride as it can absorb more shock from bumps and potholes. However, it can compromise cornering stability. The shorter sidewall of the 235/75R16 tire may offer slightly better stability and responsiveness.
Revolutions Per Mile
Lastly, there’s the metric of revolutions per mile. The 245/75R16 tire makes approximately 661.93 revolutions per mile (411.31 per kilometer), whereas the 235/75R16 tire makes around 675.02 revolutions per mile (419.44 per kilometer). This increase of 13.08 revolutions per mile (8.13 per kilometer) equals a 2% higher rate for the 235/75R16 tire.
More revolutions per mile could lead to increased tread wear, reducing the tire’s lifespan. Also, it might slightly impact the fuel economy as the wheel must rotate more times to cover the same distance.
Construction Type
Both tire sizes are designed for a 16-inch wheel, as indicated by the “16” in their size specification. Furthermore, both tire types are of radial construction, denoted by the “R” in their respective sizes.
Alternative Tire Size of 235/75r16
The overall diameter of the replacement tires should remain within 3% of that of the original tires.
| Tire Size | Overall Diameter | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 235/70R16 | 29″ (736 mm) | -2.9% |
| 275/60R16 | 29″ (736 mm) | -2.9% |
| 255/65R16 | 29.1″ (738 mm) | -2.6% |
| 225/75R16 | 29.3″ (744 mm) | -1.8% |
| 285/60R16 | 29.4″ (748 mm) | -1.3% |
| 215/80R16 | 29.5″ (750 mm) | -1.1% |
| 245/70R16 | 29.5″ (750 mm) | -1.1% |
| 265/65R16 | 29.5″ (750 mm) | -1.1% |
| 315/55R16 | 29.6″ (752 mm) | -0.8% |
| 247/70R16 | 29.6″ (752 mm) | -0.8% |
| 275/65R16 | 30.1″ (764 mm) | 0.8% |
| 255/70R16 | 30.1″ (764 mm) | 0.8% |
| 215/85R16 | 30.4″ (772 mm) | 1.8% |
| 245/75R16 | 30.5″ (774 mm) | 2.1% |
| 285/65R16 | 30.6″ (776 mm) | 2.4% |
| 265/70R16 | 30.6″ (778 mm) | 2.6% |
Alternative Tire Size of 245/75r16
The overall diameter of the replacement tires should not deviate more than 3% from that of the original tires.
| Tire Size | Overall Diameter | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 315/55R16 | 29.6″ (752 mm) | -2.8% |
| 247/70R16 | 29.6″ (752 mm) | -2.8% |
| 235/75R16 | 29.8″ (758 mm) | -2.1% |
| 255/70R16 | 30.1″ (764 mm) | -1.3% |
| 275/65R16 | 30.1″ (764 mm) | -1.3% |
| 215/85R16 | 30.4″ (772 mm) | -0.3% |
| 285/65R16 | 30.6″ (776 mm) | 0.3% |
| 265/70R16 | 30.6″ (778 mm) | 0.5% |
| 235/80R16 | 30.8″ (782 mm) | 1% |
| 345/55R16 | 30.9″ (786 mm) | 1.6% |
| 225/85R16 | 31″ (788 mm) | 1.8% |
| 295/65R16 | 31.1″ (790 mm) | 2.1% |
| 275/70R16 | 31.2″ (792 mm) | 2.3% |
Our Observation
In summary, the 245/75R16 tire is larger in every dimension, providing a larger contact area with the road, potentially better traction, and a smoother ride due to its taller sidewall.
However, it may impact your speedometer accuracy and fuel efficiency slightly. The 235/75R16 tire, being smaller, may offer better fuel economy, speedometer accuracy, and possibly cornering stability due to its lower sidewall. However, it could wear out faster due to more revolutions per mile.
These differences, while slight, should be considered based on driving conditions, habits, and vehicle specifications. Safety and suitability to your vehicle’s specifications should always be a priority when selecting a tire size.
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.