Tire Size 265 70r17 vs 35×12 5r17

Choosing the right tire size for your vehicle can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available. In this article, we will compare two popular tire sizes, the 265/70R17 and 35×12.5R17, to help you make an informed decision. We will delve into aspects such as overall diameter, tread width, rim diameter, sidewall height, circumference, revolutions, and our observations.

265 70r17 vs 35×12 5r17 Table

By referring to this comparison table, you can gain a better understanding of the variances between tire sizes 265/70R17 and 35×12.5R17.

Feature265/70r1735/12.5r17Difference
Diameter31.61″35.03″3.42 (10.8%)
Width10.43″12.52″2.09 (20%)
Circum.99.29″110.04″10.75 (10.8%)
Sidewall Height7.3″9.01″1.71 (23.4%)
Revolutions638.1575.7762.34 (9.8%)

Alternative Tire Size of 35×12.5R17
Replacement tires must have an overall diameter that is no more than 3% different from that of the original tires.

Tire SizeDiameterDifference
255/85r1734.1″-2.57%
275/80r1734.3″-2%
315/70r1734.4″-1.71%
34×10.5r1734.0″-2.86%
36×12.5r1736.0″2.86%

Alternative Tire Size of  265/70r17
When replacing tires, ensure that the overall diameter of the new tires is within 3% of the original tires’ diameter.

Tire SizeOverall DiameterDifference
235/75R1730.9″ (784 mm)-2.5%
255/70R1731.1″ (790 mm)-1.7%
275/65R1731.1″ (790 mm)-1.7%
305/60R1731.4″ (798 mm)-0.7%
245/75R1731.5″ (800 mm)-0.5%
285/65R1731.6″ (802 mm)-0.2%
235/80R1731.8″ (808 mm)0.5%
345/55R1732.0″ (812 mm)1.0%
255/75R1732.0″ (814 mm)1.2%
275/70R1732.2″ (818 mm)1.7%
305/65R1732.6″ (828 mm)3.0%

Overall Diameter
The overall diameter of a tire refers to the distance between the ground and the highest point of the tire. The 265/70R17 tire has an overall diameter of 31.61 inches, while the 35×12.5R17 tire has an overall diameter of 35 inches.

Therefore, the 35×12.5R17 tire is larger than the 265/70R17 tire. A larger overall diameter means the tire covers more ground with each rotation, improving fuel economy and a smoother ride.

Tread Width
The tread width of a tire is the distance between the two outer edges of the tread. The 265/70R17 tire has a tread width of 10.43 inches, while the 35×12.5R17 tire has a tread width of 12.52 inches. The wider tread of the 35×12.5R17 tire provides more grip, especially when driving off-road. However, it also means the tire is more prone to hydroplaning in wet conditions.

Rim Diameter
The rim diameter is the measurement of the wheel from one end to the other. The 265/70R17 tire is designed to fit on a 17-inch rim, while the 35×12.5R17 tire also requires a 17-inch rim. Therefore, these two tire sizes have no difference in rim diameter.

Sidewall Height
The sidewall height is the distance between the rim’s edge and the tire’s outer edge. The 265/70R17 tire has a sidewall height of 7.3 inches, while the 35×12.5R17 tire has a sidewall height of 9.01 inches.

A higher sidewall height provides better cushioning and shock absorption, resulting in a smoother ride. However, it also means the tire is more prone to rollovers when cornering at high speeds.

Circumference
The circumference of a tire is the distance it covers in one complete rotation. The 265/70R17 tire has a circumference of 99.29 inches, while the 35×12.5R17 tire has a circumference of 110.04 inches.

A larger circumference means the tire covers more ground with each rotation, leading to improved fuel economy and a smoother ride. However, it also means that the tire is more prone to rubbing against the fender, especially during sharp turns.

Our Observation
In terms of off-road performance, the 35×12.5R17 tire is the clear winner due to its wider tread, larger overall diameter, and higher sidewall height. However, the 265/70R17 tire is a better option for highway driving due to its narrower tread and smaller overall diameter, resulting in better fuel efficiency and a smoother ride.

In conclusion, the tire size you choose ultimately depends on your driving needs and preferences. The 35×12.5R17 tire is the better choice if you are an off-road enthusiast. On the other hand, if you are a highway driver, the 265/70R17 tire is the more practical choice. However, it’s worth noting that these tire sizes may only be compatible with some vehicles, and you should consult your vehicle manual or a tire professional before making a final decision.

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