Tire Size 245/70r17 vs 265/70r17
The main difference between tire sizes 245/70r17 and 265/70r17 lies in the section width, with the 265/70r17 being wider by 0.79 inches (20mm) by the 245/70r17 tire size.
Fitment Guide
Replacement tires should be within 3% of the original tire’s overall diameter to avoid speedometer accuracy, stability control, and clearance issues.
The 265/70r17 is 3.6% larger in overall diameter than the 245/70r17, so it may require modifications like a lift kit to prevent rubbing.
Ground Clearance
The larger 265/70r17 tire has a diameter 1.1 inches greater than the 245/70r17, providing 3.6% more ground clearance. This extra clearance is useful for off-road driving, clearing obstacles, and preventing damage over rough roads.
However, it can cause a lower speedometer reading. The smaller 245/70r17 reduces clearance, increasing risks of scraping, but gives a higher speedometer reading.
Gas Mileage
With less contact patch and rotational mass, the 245/70r17 confers better fuel efficiency crucial for daily driving. The larger 265/70r17 may reduce mpg due to increased rolling resistance and weight.
Ride Comfort
The 265/70r17 taller sidewall and larger air volume provide superior impact absorption and comfort over rough terrain. But the 245/70r17 offers a smoother highway ride with its shorter sidewall and lighter weight.
Aesthetics
The 245/70r17 contributes to aerodynamics, while the taller 265/70r17 has a more aggressive, “stretched” look, suiting trucks and SUVs.
Handling & Stability
The 245/70r17 shorter sidewall enables quicker steering response and handling precision. The taller 265/70r17 sidewall flexes more, reducing handling sharpness slightly but providing stability off-road.
Noise & Vibration
The 245/70r17 transmits more road noise and vibration with its stiffer sidewall. The 265/70r17 dampens noise and vibration better through added sidewall flex but may generate more noise from the tread.
Durability & Wear
The 245/70r17 exhibits more even treadwear and potentially longer life. The heavier 265/70r17 endures more impact, but the added weight causes more wear on components.
Adverse Conditions
The narrower 245/70r17 can cut through the snow for traction. The wider 265/70r17 gives better traction in mud or off-road conditions. Both handle rain well.
Speedometer Difference
At a true vehicle speed of 20 mph, the speedometer reading is slightly higher with 265/70r17 tires compared to 245/70r17 tires.
Specifically, the speedometer indicates 20.72 mph with the 265 tires versus 20.00 mph with the 245. This minor 0.72 mph difference is attributable to the larger diameter of the 265 tires.
While drivers may notice a slight increase in indicated speed with the 265s, the discrepancy between these tire sizes is relatively small.
Will 245/70r17 Fit 265/70r17?
No, using 245/70r17 tires instead of 265/70r17 may not be advisable due to a diameter difference of 3.6%, exceeding the recommended 3% limit.
This variance can affect speedometer accuracy and handling. Maintaining a diameter close to the original size is crucial for optimal performance and safety.
How Much Taller Is A 265/70r17 Tire Than 245/70r17?
A 265/70r17 tire is 1.1 inches (28 mm) taller than a 245/70r17 tire, representing a 3.6% increase in diameter.
The tire size for 265/70r17 is 31.61 inches (802.8 mm) tall, and for 245/70r17, it is 30.5 inches (774.8 mm) tall.
How Much Wider Is A 265/70r17 Tire Than A 245/70r17?
A 265/70r17 tire is 0.79 inches (20 mm) wider than a 245/70r17 tire, representing an 8.2% increase in width.
The specific width of a 265/70r17 tire is 10.43 inches (265 mm), while a 245/70r17 tire measures 9.65 inches (245 mm) wide.
Rim Size For 265/70r17
The tire size 265/70r17 is designed to be mounted on a 17-inch diameter wheel with a width ranging from 7 to 9 inches, with a recommended range of 7-8.5 inches for LT tires.
Rim Size For 245/70r17
The rim size for a 245/70r17 tire is 17 inches. This means the tire is designed to fit a 17-inch diameter wheel. The recommended rim width range for this tire is typically 6.5 to 8 inches.
Our Observation
After comparing the 245/70r17 and 265/70r17 tire sizes, I’m struck by their minor differences. The wider 265 provides more ground clearance and traction off-road, but the narrower 245 offers slightly improved handling and fuel economy.
I don’t think these modest tradeoffs are hugely impactful for most drivers. Based on the small variances, I recommend the 245/70r17 for its well-rounded qualities.
While the 265 has merits for off-roading, the 245 blend of ride comfort, responsive handling, and efficiency makes it an excellent choice for everyday driving.
Unless you frequently go off-road, I don’t think the 265 capabilities outweigh the 245 versatility. But minor differences mean both are solid options.
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.