Tire Size 255/75r17 vs 275/70r17
Tire sizes can seem like a jumble of numbers, but they significantly influence your vehicle’s performance. We’ll break down the switch from 255/75r17 to 275/70r17 tires, examining how this change affects your driving experience on various terrains.
- The new tires are 0.79 inches wider for improved traction and stability
- Diameter increases by only 0.1 inches maintaining proper fitment
- Minimal impact on speedometer accuracy with only 0.3% difference
- Slightly larger contact patch may enhance cornering and wet-weather grip
- Marginal increase in sidewall height might offer a bit more cushioning
255/75r17 vs 275/70r17 Table
The key distinction lies in the width. The 275/70r17 tire is nearly 0.8 inches (20 mm) wider than the 255/75r17.
Fitment Guide
Good news for those considering this tire switch – the diameter difference is well within the acceptable range. The 275/70r17 tire has a diameter of 32.16 inches, just 0.1 inches (2.5 mm) larger than the 255/75r17’s 32.06-inch diameter.
This 0.3% difference falls comfortably within the recommended ±3% range, indicating that this interchange is generally safe and won’t require significant vehicle modifications.
On-Road Impact
The switch to 275/70r17 tires can subtly alter your on-road driving experience. Here’s how:
- Handling: The wider tire provides a larger contact patch with the road, potentially improving grip and stability, especially during cornering or in wet conditions. However, this might slightly increase steering effort.
- Ride Comfort: The minimal increase in sidewall height (0.05 inches or 1.25 mm) is unlikely to significantly change ride comfort. You might notice a slightly smoother ride over small bumps, but the difference will be minimal.
- Fuel Efficiency: The wider tires may create slightly more rolling resistance, potentially leading to a minor decrease in fuel efficiency. However, given the small size increase, this effect should be negligible for most drivers.
- Speedometer Accuracy: With the new tires, your actual speed will be about 0.3% faster than what your speedometer shows. At 20 mph, you’ll actually be going 20.06 mph – a difference so small it’s practically irrelevant for everyday driving.
- Aesthetics: The wider tires will give your vehicle a slightly more aggressive stance, which many drivers find appealing. The change is subtle but may enhance your vehicle’s overall look.
Off-Road Impact
For off-road enthusiasts, the tire change brings some notable benefits:
- Traction: The wider tires offer improved grip on loose surfaces like sand, mud, or gravel. This can be a significant advantage when navigating challenging terrains.
- Flotation: In soft conditions like sand or snow, the wider tires distribute the vehicle’s weight over a larger area, reducing the risk of sinking or getting stuck.
- Ground Clearance: The minimal increase in diameter (0.1 inches or 2.5 mm) will raise your vehicle’s ground clearance ever so slightly. While this change is small, every bit helps when navigating obstacles off-road.
- Durability: The wider tires may offer slightly better protection against punctures from rocks or other sharp objects encountered off-road. However, this benefit is marginal given the small size increase.
What is the Difference Between 255/75r17 and 275/70r17?
The main difference between 255/75r17 and 275/70r17 tires is the width. The 275/70r17 tire is significantly wider, with a width of 10.83 inches (275 mm) compared to the 255/75r17’s width of 10.04 inches (255 mm).
This 0.79-inch (20 mm) difference represents a 7.8% increase in width, which can noticeably affect the tire’s footprint, traction, and overall performance characteristics.
Can I Use 275/70r17 Instead of 255/75r17?
Yes, you can use 275/70r17 tires instead of 255/75r17. The diameter difference between these two tire sizes is only 0.1 inches (2.5 mm), which is a 0.3% increase.
This falls well within the recommended 3% limit for tire size changes, making it a safe and viable option for most vehicles.
How Much Taller Is a 275/70r17 Tire Than a 255/75r17?
A 275/70r17 tire is 0.1 inches (2.5 mm) taller than a 255/75r17 tire. The 275/70r17 has a diameter of 32.16 inches (816.8 mm), while the 255/75r17 has a diameter of 32.06 inches (814.3 mm). This represents a minimal 0.3% increase in overall height.
How Much Wider is a 275/70r17 Tire Than a 255/75r17?
A 275/70r17 tire is 0.79 inches (20 mm) wider than a 255/75r17 tire. The 275/70r17 has a width of 10.83 inches (275 mm), while the 255/75r17 has a width of 10.04 inches (255 mm). This difference represents a 7.8% increase in width.
Our Observation
Switching from 255/75r17 to 275/70r17 tires offers a blend of subtle improvements with minimal drawbacks. The wider tires provide better traction and stability, enhancing performance both on and off-road.
The slightly larger diameter maintains proper fitment without requiring vehicle modifications. While you might experience a marginal decrease in fuel efficiency, the impact is likely negligible for most drivers.
Off-road, the wider tires offer improved grip and flotation, beneficial for various terrains. Overall, this tire switch presents more advantages than disadvantages, making it a solid choice for those seeking a minor upgrade without dramatic changes to their vehicle’s performance or appearance.
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.