Tire Size 255/70r16 vs 245/75r16
Are you considering switching from 255/70R16 to 245/75R16 tires on your vehicle? While these tire sizes are quite similar, there are some key differences to be aware of.
- Taller sidewall may provide slightly smoother ride comfort
- Narrower width may mildly improve fuel efficiency
- Handling may be a touch less responsive with narrower tires
- Speedometer will read about 1.4% slow with taller tires
- Taller, narrower tire can improve off-road clearance and traction
245/75r16 vs 255/70r16
If you’re seeking clarity on the disparities between 255/70R16 and 245/75R16 tire sizes.
Fitment Guide
In this case, the 245/75R16 tires have a diameter that is 1.4% larger than the 255/70R16 tires. This difference falls within the acceptable range, so switching between these sizes should not require any vehicle modifications.
However, it’s always best to double check your vehicle’s owner’s manual or consult with a tire professional to confirm fitment before making a final decision.
On-Road Impact
Switching to the taller and narrower 245/75R16 tires can have several effects on your vehicle’s on-road performance. Here’s what you might notice:
- Ride comfort: The taller sidewall of the 245/75R16 tires provides more cushion between the wheel and the road. This can lead to a slightly smoother and more comfortable ride, especially over bumps and rough pavement.
- Fuel efficiency: The narrower width of the 245/75R16 tires means they have a smaller contact patch with the road. This can potentially improve fuel efficiency by a small amount. However, the difference is likely to be minimal in real-world driving.
- Handling: The narrower width of the 245/75R16 tires may result in slightly less responsive handling compared to the wider 255/70R16 tires. The difference is likely to be subtle for most drivers.
- Speedometer accuracy: Because the 245/75R16 tires are 1.4% taller, your vehicle’s speedometer will read about 1.4% slower than your actual speed. At 60 mph, your speedometer would read about 59.2 mph. This is a relatively small discrepancy that is unlikely to cause issues for most drivers.
Off-Road Impact
If you take your vehicle off-road, switching to 245/75R16 tires can provide some benefits:
- Ground clearance: The taller 245/75R16 tires will raise your vehicle’s ground clearance by about 0.21 inches (5.25 mm). While this is a modest increase, every bit of extra clearance can be helpful when navigating rough terrain.
- Sidewall protection: The taller sidewall of the 245/75R16 tires provides more cushion and protection for the wheel when encountering rocks, ruts, and other obstacles. This can help reduce the risk of wheel damage when driving off-road.
- Traction: The narrower width of the 245/75R16 tires can actually be an advantage in certain off-road situations. Narrower tires can dig into soft surfaces like sand and mud more effectively, providing better traction.
- Aesthetics: Some drivers feel that taller, narrower tires give their vehicle a more rugged and capable appearance. If you like the look of a slightly taller tire, then switching to 245/75R16 might be appealing.
What is the Main Difference Between 255/70R16 and 245/75R16?
The main difference between 255/70R16 and 245/75R16 tires is that the 245/75R16 tires are 0.41 inches (10.5 mm) taller and 0.39 inches (10 mm) narrower than the 255/70R16 tires.
Can I Use 245/75R16 Instead of 255/70R16?
In most cases, yes, you can use 245/75R16 tires instead of 255/70R16. The overall diameter difference between these sizes is 1.4%, which falls within the typically acceptable range of plus or minus 3%.
However, it’s always best to confirm fitment with your vehicle’s manufacturer or a tire professional before making a switch.
How Much Taller Is a 245/75R16 Tire Than a 255/70R16?
A 245/75R16 tire is 0.41 inches (10.5 mm) taller than a 255/70R16 tire. The overall diameter of a 245/75R16 tire is 30.47 inches, while a 255/70R16 tire has a diameter of 30.06 inches.
How Much Wider is a 255/70R16 Tire Than a 245/75R16?
A 255/70R16 tire is 0.39 inches (10 mm) wider than a 245/75R16 tire. The 255/70R16 has a section width of 10.04 inches, compared to 9.65 inches for the 245/75R16 size.
Our Observation
After analyzing the differences between 255/70R16 and 245/75R16 tires, we believe that switching to the taller and narrower 245/75R16 size can be a viable option for many vehicles. The diameter difference of 1.4% falls within the typically acceptable range.
On-road, you may notice a slightly smoother ride and potentially a very small improvement in fuel efficiency. Handling may be slightly less responsive, but likely not enough to be an issue for most drivers. Your speedometer will read about 1.4% slow.
Off-road, the taller sidewall of the 245/75R16 tires can provide a bit more ground clearance, sidewall protection, and traction in soft terrain. Some drivers may also prefer the aesthetics of a slightly taller and narrower tire.
Overall, our view is that the differences between these sizes are relatively minor. Switching from 255/70R16 to 245/75R16 should be possible on most vehicles without rubbing or clearance issues. However, it’s always advisable to confirm fitment with a tire professional before making a change.
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.