Tire Size 265/70R17 vs 285/70R17
The main difference between tire sizes 265/70r17 and 285/70r17 lies in the section width. The 285/70r17 tire is 0.79 inches (20 mm) wider, approximately 7.5% wider than the 265/70r17. This wider tread width impacts various performance factors.
| / | R |
| / | R |
| Parameter | 235/35 R18 | 205/40 R18 | Differ. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tire Height | |||
| Section Width | |||
| Circumference | |||
| Sidewall Height | |||
| Revolutions | |||
| Rim Size |
Fitment Guide
The new size should be within 3% of the original tire’s diameter when replacing tires to avoid clearance issues or speedometer inaccuracies.
The 285/70R17 is 3.5% larger in diameter than the 265/70R17, just crossing the 3% threshold. This may require lifting the vehicle slightly to accommodate the larger size without rubbing.
Ground Clearance
The taller 285/70R17 provides 1.1 inches (28 mm) more ground clearance than the 265/70R17, an advantage for off-road driving and clearing obstacles.
However, the larger diameter causes the speedometer to read 3.4% lower than the actual speed. The 265/70R17 offers less clearance but gives a more accurate speedometer reading.
Gas Mileage
The wider 285/70R17 has slightly more rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency marginally compared to the 265/70R17.
With less rubber and weight, the 265/70R17 provides a fuel economy advantage, albeit small. Expect up to 1 mpg difference, depending on driving conditions.
Ride Comfort
The extra sidewall height of the 285/70R17 absorbs road impacts better than the shorter 265/70R17 sidewall.
This cushions the ride, especially over uneven surfaces. However, both sizes deliver a smooth, comfortable ride under everyday conditions.
Aesthetics
Visually, the 285/70R17 taller sidewall gives a slightly more aggressive, “off-road” look compared to the 265/70R17 shorter sidewall.
Lifted trucks often suit the stretched appearance of a taller sidewall. However, the difference is subtle.
Handling & Stability
The 265/70R17 shorter, stiffer sidewall enables sharper handling and quicker response.
The 285/70R17 extra sidewall flex reduces handling precision slightly but offers excellent overall stability. Both deliver responsive, stable handling for everyday driving.
Noise & Vibration
The 265/70R17 transmits more road noise and vibration into the cabin due to its shorter sidewall.
The taller 285/70R17 sidewall dampens noise and vibrations better. However, both sizes provide a relatively quiet, comfortable ride.
Durability & Wear
With similar tread depths and compounds, durability and longevity are comparable between sizes.
Rotation and proper inflation impact treadwear more than the minor size difference. Expect similar tread life from both.
Adverse Conditions
Both sizes handle rain, snow, and light off-road duty well. The 285/70R17 has slightly more traction from its wider tread and extra ground clearance.
The 265/70R17 smaller footprint provides a touch more grip on packed snow. Overall traction is comparable.
Speedometer Difference
At an actual speed of 20 mph, the speedometer reading is 0.30 mph higher for 285/70r17 tires compared to 265/70r17 tires. This difference of 0.30 mph is attributable to the larger overall diameter of the 285/70r17 tires.
The speedometer reading will be consistently higher across all speeds for the 285/70r17 tires versus the 265/70r17 tires due to this diameter discrepancy.
What Does 265/70R17 Tire Mean?
The first number in tire size, 265, refers to the tire’s width in millimeters. The second number, 70, is the aspect ratio.
This is the height of the sidewall as a percentage of the width. In this case, it’s 70%, meaning that the sidewall is 70% as tall as comprehensive.
The 17 refers to the rim diameter in inches. In this case, it’s 17 inches. The letter “R” at the end stands for radial, the most common type of tire.
Difference Between 265/70r17 And 285/70r17
The main difference between 265/70R17 and 285/70R17 tires is the width – 265mm is about 10.4 inches wide, while 285mm is around 11.2 inches wide.
Will 285 70r17 Fit 265 70r17?
No, the 285/70r17 tire is not directly interchangeable with the 265/70r17. The 285/70R17 tire has a diameter that is 3.5% larger than the 265/70R17.
Since it exceeds the recommended 3% difference in diameter, the 285 tire size should not be used to replace a 265 tire size. Going beyond the 3% difference risks damage and improper functioning.
What Does 285/70R17 Tire Mean?
The tire size “285/70R17” is a standardized code that provides information about the tire’s specifications. The tire dimensions 285/70R17 are the same as 32.8×11.2R17 in inches.
The 285/70R17 tire size means it has a width of 285mm or about 11.2 inches. The aspect ratio of 70 means the tire’s sidewall height is 70% of its 285mm width. The ‘R’ refers to its radial ply construction, which fits on a 17-inch diameter wheel.
How Much Wider Is A 285/70R17 Tire Than A 265/70R17?
The tire size 285/70r17 is wider than the tire size 265/70r17 by 0.79 inches (20mm). Specifically, the 285/70r17 tire size is approximately 11.22 inches (285mm) wide, while the 265/70R17 tire size is approximately 10.43 inches (265mm) wide.
This means that when upgrading from the narrower 265 tire to the wider 285 tire on a 17-inch wheel, there is a 7.5% increase in width.
How Much Taller Is A 285/70r17 Tire Than A 265/70r17?
The 285/70R17 tire is 1.1 inches, or 28mm, taller than a 265/70R17 tire. The 285/70R17 tire size stands at a height of 32.71 inches or 830.8mm, whereas the 265/70R17 tire size measures approximately 31.61 inches or 802.8mm in height.
In comparison to the 265 tires, the 285 tires are taller by about 3.5% when using the same aspect ratio on a 17-inch wheel.
What Size Rims Fit 265/70r17?
The 265/70r17 tire size is typically mounted on 17-inch rims. The rim width range for the 265/70r17 tire size is 7-9 inch. Therefore, rims with a 17-inch diameter are suitable for 265/70r17 tires.
285/70R17 vs 265/70R17
To quickly understand the differences, you can refer to this comparison table.
What Size Rims Fit 285/70R17?
The 285/70r17 tire size is commonly installed on 17-inch rims, with a recommended rim width range of 7.5 to 9.5 inches. Consequently, 17-inch diameter rims are appropriate for 285/70r17 tires.
Our Observation
After reviewing the differences, I believe the 265/70R17 is the ideal choice for most drivers looking for a responsive daily driver.
Its shorter sidewall and narrower tread offer advantages in fuel efficiency, handling, and noise reduction that matter most for paved road driving.
Though I’m drawn to the aggressive styling of the 285/70R17, I don’t require the extra ground clearance or off-road capabilities it provides.
For those needing more off-road traction and clearance, the 285 may be a better option. But for the average driver focused on performance and efficiency, I recommend going with
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.
