245 vs 305 Tires
The main difference between a 245 tire and a 305 tire is the tread width, with the 305 having a width 60mm (2.36 inches) wider than the 245. This equates to the 305 tire being about 24.5% wider than the 245.
245 vs 305 Table
Let’s delve into the key differences by exploring the benefits of both 245 and 305 tire sizes.
| Tire Size 245 | Tire Size 305 |
|---|---|
| More responsive handling | Slightly improved high speed stability |
| Better fuel efficiency | Marginally more traction in mud or snow |
| Smoother ride on pavement | Increased ground clearance |
| Quieter at highway speeds | More aggressive, beefy appearance |
| Potentially longer tread life | Slightly better vibration dampening |
| Easier to cut through snow/ice | More capable light off-road performance |
| Lower speedometer reading | Higher speedometer reading |
| Less rolling resistance | Increased durability over rough terrain |
| More aerodynamic | Larger air volume for shock absorption |
Ground Clearance
The wider 305 tire provides more ground clearance than the 245, which can be beneficial for off-roading over rough terrain. However, the increased clearance may result in a lower speedometer reading.
The 245, with its reduced clearance, could lead to scraping the undercarriage on obstacles but gives a higher speedometer reading. Overall, the difference in ground clearance is minor between the two.
Gas Mileage
The 245, with its slightly smaller contact patch and lower rotational mass, offers somewhat better fuel efficiency than the 305. The larger 305 requires more energy to roll and has higher rolling resistance leading to reduced gas mileage. However, the difference is fairly small and would only be noticeable over long distances.
Ride Comfort
The 305 provides a more comfortable ride over uneven terrain due to its larger air volume and sidewall height, which absorbs impacts better.
But the 245 gives a smoother ride on paved roads. Overall, the differences in ride comfort are minor between the two tire sizes.
Aesthetics Look
The wider 305 has a more aggressive, rugged visual appeal than the narrower 245. However, the 245’s smaller size can provide slightly improved vehicle aerodynamics.
For most drivers, the difference in aesthetics between the tires is a matter of personal taste.
Handling & Stability
The 245 offers quicker steering response and enhanced handling on pavement relative to the wider 305.
But, the 305 provides better stability and traction in off-road conditions due to its larger footprint. Overall, the difference in handling and stability is small between the two tires.
Noise & Vibration
The 245 transmits more road vibration but generates slightly less noise on smooth roads. The larger 305 creates more noise from the tread growl but dampens vibrations better. However, the difference in noise and vibration levels between the two tire sizes is minor.
Durability & Wear
The 245 exhibits more even treadwear and has the potential for longer life. The heavier 305 experiences more stress, which can lead to quicker wear. However, the difference in durability and tread life is not very significant between the two sizes.
Adverse Conditions
The narrower 245 can cut through to the pavement better in snow and ice, while the wider 305 provides more traction in mud.
However, the differences in performance between the two tires in adverse conditions are relatively small.
Speedometer
Due to its larger diameter, the 305 will register a lower speedometer reading than the 245 at any given speed. However, with today’s digital speedometers, this difference is automatically calibrated and would be barely noticeable to most drivers.
Difference Between 245 and 305 Tires
The main difference between 245 and 305 tires is the section width, with 305 tires being 60mm wider than 245 tires. This significant width difference affects tire performance, handling, and fitment.
Can I Use 305 Tires Instead of 245
No, it is not recommended to use 305 tires instead of 245 tires. The ideal rim width ranges for these two sizes do not overlap, indicating incompatibility. Mismatched tire and rim sizes can lead to poor performance and safety issues.
Can I Use 245 Tires Instead of 305
No, using 245 tires instead of 305 tires is not advisable. The ideal rim width ranges for these sizes do not overlap, suggesting incompatibility. Using mismatched tire and rim sizes can result in handling issues and potential safety hazards.
Can I Put 305 Tires on 245 Rims
No, you should not put 305 tires on rims designed for 245 tires. The ideal rim width range for 245 tires (7.5-9.0 inches) does not overlap with the range for 305 tires (9.5-11.0 inches), making them incompatible.
Can I Put 245 Tires on 305 Rims
No, putting 245 tires on rims designed for 305 tires is not recommended. The ideal rim width range for 305 tires (9.5-11.0 inches) does not overlap with the range for 245 tires (7.5-9.0 inches), indicating incompatibility.
Our Observation
After reviewing the differences between the 245 and 305 tire sizes, I’m struck by how the wider 305 doesn’t seem to provide significant real-world advantages over the 245 for most drivers.
While the 305 offers minor improvements in some areas like stability, ground clearance, and traction, I feel these benefits are quite small during everyday on-road driving. Personally, I would prefer the 245’s slight edge in handling, ride comfort, wear life, and fuel efficiency over the 305’s modest gains.
Unless you frequently drive off-road, the wider 305 is not worth the trade-offs for daily use. For my needs, the 245 is the better choice, providing an outstanding balance of performance, efficiency, and value from my perspective.
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.