Tire Size 245/70r17 vs 245/75r17
Ever thought about giving your ride a little boost? Switching from 245/70R17 to 245/75R17 tires might be your ticket to a subtle yet impactful change.
- Increased sidewall height provides a slightly smoother ride
- Marginally better ground clearance for mild off-road use
- Negligible impact on on-road handling and fuel efficiency
- Additional protection against off-road hazards and obstacles
245/70r17 vs 245/75r17
For a comprehensive understanding of the variances between tire sizes, refer to this informative comparison table.
Fitment Guide
The 3.2% increase from 245/70R17 to 245/75R17 is just on the edge of this guideline. While it’s generally acceptable, it’s wise to double-check your vehicle’s specifications and consult with a tire professional to ensure proper fitment and avoid any potential rubbing or clearance issues.
On-Road Impact
Switching to 245/75R17 tires can subtly alter your on-road experience. Let’s explore how this change might affect your daily drive:
- Speedometer Accuracy: With the larger diameter, your actual speed will be slightly higher than what your speedometer shows. For instance, when your speedometer reads 20 mph, you’ll actually be traveling at 20.63 mph. While this difference is small, it’s worth keeping in mind for precise speed control.
- Fuel Efficiency: The larger tires may cause a slight decrease in fuel efficiency due to increased rolling resistance and weight. However, the impact is usually minimal and may not be noticeable in everyday driving.
- Acceleration and Braking: You might experience a minor reduction in acceleration due to the increased rotational mass. Braking distances could also be slightly affected, but these changes are typically negligible for most drivers.
- Ride Comfort: The taller sidewall of the 245/75R17 (7.23 inches vs. 6.75 inches) can provide a smoother ride by absorbing more road imperfections. This extra cushioning might be particularly noticeable on rougher roads.
- Handling: The taller sidewall might introduce a bit more flex during cornering, potentially resulting in a slightly less responsive feel. However, for most daily driving scenarios, this difference is unlikely to be significant.
Off-Road Impact
For the adventure seekers, the switch to 245/75R17 tires can bring some exciting changes to your off-road capabilities:
- Ground Clearance: The 0.96-inch increase in diameter translates to about 0.48 inches of additional ground clearance. This might not sound like much, but in off-road situations, every bit of clearance can make a difference when navigating obstacles.
- Traction: The larger contact patch of the 245/75R17 tires can provide improved traction in loose or muddy conditions. This can be particularly beneficial when tackling challenging off-road terrain.
- Float: In soft surfaces like sand or snow, the larger tire size offers better “float,” helping to prevent your vehicle from sinking as much. This can be a game-changer in certain off-road scenarios.
- Durability: The taller sidewall of the 245/75R17 tires (7.23 inches vs. 6.75 inches) can offer better protection against impacts from rocks and other off-road hazards. This added durability can be valuable during rugged adventures.
- Aesthetics: The slightly larger tires can give your vehicle a more robust and capable appearance, which many off-road enthusiasts appreciate. It’s a subtle change that can make your ride stand out just a bit more.
What is the Main Difference Between 245/70R17 and 245/75R17?
The main difference between 245/70R17 and 245/75R17 tires is the overall diameter. The 245/75R17 tire is 0.96 inches (24.5mm) taller, which is a 3.2% increase in diameter compared to the 245/70R17 size.
Can I Use 245/75R17 Instead of 245/70R17?
While a 245/75R17 tire can be used instead of a 245/70R17 in many cases, the 3.2% difference in overall diameter slightly exceeds the recommended guideline of staying within 3% of the original tire size. Some minor modifications may be necessary to ensure proper fitment without rubbing.
How Much Taller Is a 245/75R17 Tire Than a 245/70R17?
A 245/75R17 tire is 0.96 inches taller than a 245/70R17 tire. This equates to an increase of 24.5mm or approximately 1 inch in overall tire diameter when switching from a 245/70R17 to a 245/75R17 size.
Our Observation
Switching from 245/70R17 to 245/75R17 tires offers a blend of benefits and minor drawbacks. The increased ground clearance and improved off-road capabilities are definite pluses for adventure seekers.
The smoother ride quality due to taller sidewalls is another advantage. However, the slight impact on fuel efficiency and speedometer accuracy should be considered.
For most drivers, the on-road differences will be negligible, while off-road enthusiasts may find the changes more noticeable and beneficial.
Ultimately, this tire switch provides a subtle yet impactful upgrade that can enhance both the appearance and functionality of your vehicle without dramatic alterations.
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.