Tire Size 255/75r17 vs 275/70r17
The main difference between 255/75r17 and 275/70r17 tires is in the section width. The 275/70r17 tire size is about 0.79 inch wider than the 255/75r17 tire size.
The 275/70r17 tires offer a larger contact patch for increased traction, while the narrower 255/75r17 tires provide better fuel efficiency.
275/70r17 vs 255/75r17
Fitment Guide
The overall diameter difference between 255/75r17 and 275/70r17 tires is minor at 0.1 inches or 0.3%.
This keeps the 275/70r17 replacement tire within the recommended 3% limit for overall diameter compared to the original 255/75r17 size. So, the 275/70r17 should fit without needing suspension modifications.
Gas Mileage
With a narrower tread and lighter weight, the 255/75r17 offers slightly better fuel efficiency over the wider and heavier 275/70r17. The difference is small but could add up to measurable fuel savings over time for daily drivers.
Ground Clearance
The 275/70r17 provides 0.05 inches or 0.7% more ground clearance than the 255/75r17. This moderately higher clearance improves off-road accessibility and causes a 0.66 mph lower speedometer reading at 20 mph actual speed.
Ride Comfort
The extra 0.05-inch sidewall height of the 275/70r17 absorbs more road impacts, likely providing a slightly smoother ride over uneven pavement compared to the 255/75r17.
Aesthetics
The 275/70r17’s subtly taller sidewall visually gives it a more “stretched” look than the shorter 255/75r17. This aesthetic can suit trucks and SUVs well.
Handling & Stability
The 255/75r17’s shorter sidewall enables sharper turn-in and handling precision relative to the marginally taller 275/70r17. But both offer responsive stability.
Noise & Vibration
The 255/75r17 transmits more road noise and vibration to passengers with its shorter, stiffer sidewall. The 275/70r17 better isolates road inputs.
Durability & Wear
The lighter 255/75r17 puts less stress on suspension components, potentially improving durability and even treadwear versus the heavier duty 275/70r17.
Adverse Conditions
Performance in rain, snow, and off-road conditions is comparable between the two. The extra ground clearance of the 275/70r17 provides a slight wet/snow traction edge, while the 255/75r17’s shorter sidewall aids responsiveness.
Speedometer Difference
At an actual speed of 20 mph, the speedometer reads 20.00 mph with 255/75r17 tires but 20.06 mph with 275/70r17s, a difference of 0.06 mph.
What Is 255 75r17 In Standard Size?
The tire size 255 75R17 is a code that indicates the tire’s dimensions. The first number, 255, represents the tire’s width in millimeters.
The second number, 75, is the aspect ratio, which is the height of the tire’s sidewall as a percentage of the tire’s width. In this case, the sidewall height is 75% of 255 mm.
The letter “R” indicates the tire has a radial construction. The last number, 17, represents the diameter of the wheel in inches that the tire is designed to fit.
Therefore, a 255 75R17 tire has a width of 255 mm, a sidewall height of 75% of 255 mm, and is designed to fit a 17-inch wheel.
Can I use 275/70r17 instead of 255/75r17?
Yes, you can use 275/70r17 tires instead of 255/75r17 tires on your vehicle. According to the data, the overall diameter difference between these two tire sizes is 0.1 inches (2.5 mm), which is 0.3%.
As a general guideline, replacement tires should be within 3% of the diameter of the original size. Since the diameter difference here is under that 3% threshold, the 275/70r17 tires will properly fit from a clearance standpoint without any issues rubbing or requiring modifications.
Additionally, confirm the load rating on the 275/70r17 tires meets or exceeds the load rating of the original 255/75r17 tires currently equipped on your vehicle.
As long as the load ratings are sufficient and the diameter is within 3%, the 275/70r17 is a directly interchangeable option for the 255/75r17 size.
Our Observation
Based on the minor differences between the 255/75r17 and 275/70r17 tires, neither emerges as an unambiguously better choice.
The 255/75r17 offers slightly better fuel efficiency and handling precision, while the 275/70r17 provides a bit more ground clearance and ride comfort.
For most drivers, real-world advantages are marginal. Those prioritizing fuel economy may lean towards the 255/75r17, while off-road adventurers value the slightly higher clearance of the 275/70r17. However, either tire serves most needs reliably, making it hard to declare one superior overall.
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.
