Tire Size 255/70r17 vs 265/70r17
It’s important to know the different size options available to you. One common tire size is 255/70R17, which is equivalent to 31.1x10R17. Another option is 265/70R17, which is equivalent to 31.7×10.4R17.
Understanding these equivalencies can help you choose the best tire for your vehicle and driving needs. Keep reading to learn more about the differences between these two tire sizes and when and where they should be used.
255/70r17 vs 265/70r17 Table
This comparison table will help you see the key differences between the two sizes at a glance.
| Feature | 255/70r17 | 265/70r17 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 31.06 | 31.61 | 0.55 inch |
| Width | 10.04 | 10.43 | 0.39 inch |
| Circumference | 97.56 | 99.29 | 1.73 inch |
| Sidewall Height | 7.03 | 7.3 | 0.28 inch |
| Revolutions per mile | 649.43 | 638.1 | 1.33 |
Alternative Tire Size For 265/70r17
To ensure the proper functioning of your speedometer and odometer, it is important that the diameter of your new tires is within 3% of the diameter of your original tires.
| Tire Size | Overall Diameter | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 235/75R17 | 30.9″ (784 mm) | -2.5% |
| 255/70R17 | 31.1″ (790 mm) | -1.7% |
| 275/65R17 | 31.1″ (790 mm) | -1.7% |
| 305/60R17 | 31.4″ (798 mm) | -0.7% |
| 245/75R17 | 31.5″ (800 mm) | -0.5% |
| 285/65R17 | 31.6″ (802 mm) | -0.2% |
| 235/80R17 | 31.8″ (808 mm) | 0.5% |
| 345/55R17 | 32″ (812 mm) | 1% |
| 255/75R17 | 32″ (814 mm) | 1.2% |
| 275/70R17 | 32.2″ (818 mm) | 1.7% |
| 305/65R17 | 32.6″ (828 mm) | 3% |
Alternative Tire Size For 255/70r17
Your new tires should be within 3% of the diameter of your original tires. This ensures that your speedometer and odometer will function properly
| Tire Size | Overall Diameter | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 225/75R17 | 30.3″ (770 mm) | -2.5% |
| 285/60R17 | 30.5″ (774 mm) | -2% |
| 245/70R17 | 30.6″ (776 mm) | -1.8% |
| 265/65R17 | 30.6″ (776 mm) | -1.8% |
| 235/75R17 | 30.9″ (784 mm) | -0.8% |
| 275/65R17 | 31.1″ (790 mm) | 0% |
| 305/60R17 | 31.4″ (798 mm) | 1% |
| 245/75R17 | 31.5″ (800 mm) | 1.3% |
| 285/65R17 | 31.6″ (802 mm) | 1.5% |
| 265/70R17 | 31.7″ (804 mm) | 1.8% |
| 235/80R17 | 31.8″ (808 mm) | 2.3% |
| 345/55R17 | 32″ (812 mm) | 2.8% |
Overall Diameter
You’ll first notice that the 265 70r17 tires are about 0.55 inches larger in overall diameter than the 255 70r17 tires. This can have a few different effects on your vehicle.
First, it will make your speedometer readings inaccurate since the larger tires are covering more ground per revolution. Additionally, the larger tires may rub against your vehicle’s fenders or suspension components.
Especially if you have a lifted or off-road vehicle. On the other hand, the larger tires will give you a more comfortable ride and may improve your fuel economy since they have less rolling resistance.
Section Width
A tire’s section width is the tire’s measurement from sidewall to sidewall. The 265 70r17 tires have about 0.39 inch wider section width than the 255 70r17 tires. The section width of the 255 70r17 tire size is 10.04 inches, and 10.43 inches is the width of the 265 70r17 tire size.
A wider tire will give you a more stable ride, but it may also make your steering feel less precise. Wider tires are also more susceptible to damage from potholes and other road hazards.
Circumference
The circumference of a tire is the distance around the outside of the tire. The larger overall diameter of the 265 70r17 tires also results in a larger circumference. The 265 70r17 tires have a circumference of about 99.29 inches, while the 255 70r17 tires have a circumference of approximately 97.56 inches. The difference between those two tires is 1.73 inches, or about 1.8%.
Revolutions Per Mile
Revolutions Per Mile (RPM) is a measure of how many times the tire will go around in one mile. Since the 265 70r17 tires are larger, they will make fewer RPMs than the 255 70r17 tires.
The 255 70r17 tires will make about 649 RPMs, and the 265 70r17 tires will make about 638 RPMs. The difference in RPMs is not huge but can add up over time. If you do a lot of highway driving.
Sidewall Height
The sidewall height is also known as the “aspect ratio.” The 255 70r17 tires have a sidewall height of about 7.03 inches, while the 265 70r17 tires have a sidewall height of about 7.30 inches.
The difference between those two tire sizes is 0.28 inches, or about 3.9%. The taller sidewalls on the 265 70r17 tires will give you a more comfortable ride. Still, they will also make your vehicle more susceptible to sidewall damage.
Wheel Size
Another thing to remember is that the 265 70r17 tires are generally too large to fit on 17-inch wheels. Most vehicles that come with 17-inch wheels will require 255 70r17 tires. If you’re looking to upgrade to larger tires, you’ll likely need to upgrade your wheels.
Construction Type
The final thing to consider is the construction type. The 255 70r17 tires are available in both radial construction, while the 265 70r17 tires are only available in radial construction. Radial tires are the most common type of tire and offer several advantages over bias-ply tires.
Radial tires have better fuel economy, longer tread life, and a smoother ride. They are also more resistant to heat build-up, which can cause tire failure. Bias-ply tires are less expensive, but they don’t offer the same performance or durability as radial tires.
Our Observation
After comparing the two tire sizes, it is clear that they have some similarities and differences. The tire size 265/70r17 is slightly larger in diameter, has a wider tread width, a slightly higher sidewall, a larger circumference, and fewer revolutions per mile than the tire size 255/70r17. However, the aspect ratio of both tire sizes is the same, indicating that the height of the sidewall is similar for both sizes.
It ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a tire with a wider tread width and a higher sidewall, the tire size 265/70r17 might be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a tire with a slightly smaller diameter and more revolutions per mile, the tire size 255/70r17 might be a better fit.
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