Tire Size 265/75r17 vs 285/70r17
The primary difference when switching from 265/75r17 to 285/70r17 tires lies in the width. The 285/70r17 tires are 0.79 inches (20 mm) wider, representing a 7.5% increase.
This change can significantly affect vehicle handling, traction, and appearance, while the minimal 0.2% difference in diameter ensures compatibility with most vehicles.
- Diameter increase is minimal at 0.2%, within safe limits
- Width increases significantly by 7.5%
- Minimal impact on speedometer accuracy
- May affect fuel efficiency slightly
- Could improve off-road traction and appearance
Fitment Guide
It’s crucial to stay within the recommended 3% diameter difference. In this case, the switch from 265/75r17 to 285/70r17 is well within this limit, with only a 0.2% difference in diameter.
This means the interchange is generally safe and recommended without requiring major vehicle modifications.
On-Road Impact
The switch to 285/70r17 tires will have some effects on your vehicle’s on-road performance:
- Handling: The wider tires may provide improved traction and stability, especially during cornering. However, they might also increase the risk of hydroplaning on wet roads due to the larger contact patch.
- Ride Comfort: The slightly taller sidewall (0.03 inches or 0.75 mm) of the 285/70r17 tires may provide a marginally smoother ride, but the difference is likely to be negligible.
- Speedometer Accuracy: The impact on speedometer accuracy is minimal. At 20 mph, the actual speed will be 20.04 mph, a difference of only 0.04 mph. This small discrepancy is unlikely to cause any significant issues in everyday driving.
- Gas Mileage: The wider tires may slightly decrease fuel efficiency due to increased rolling resistance. However, the impact should be minimal given the small overall size difference.
- Aesthetics: The wider 285/70r17 tires will give your vehicle a more aggressive and robust appearance, which many drivers find appealing.
Off-Road Impact
For off-road enthusiasts, the switch to 285/70r17 tires can offer some benefits:
- Ground Clearance: The new tires provide a slight increase in diameter (0.06 inches or 1.5 mm), which translates to a marginal improvement in ground clearance. While this difference is small, it can be beneficial in off-road situations.
- Traction: The wider tires offer a larger contact patch, potentially improving traction on loose surfaces like sand, mud, or gravel.
- Flotation: In soft terrain, the wider tires may provide better flotation, helping to prevent the vehicle from sinking.
- Durability: The slightly larger size may offer improved durability for off-road use, as there’s more rubber to absorb impacts from rocks and other obstacles.
Our Observation
Switching from 265/75r17 to 285/70r17 tires offers a blend of benefits with minimal drawbacks. The wider profile enhances the vehicle’s appearance and may improve handling and off-road performance.
However, the differences in on-road behavior are likely to be subtle. The minimal impact on speedometer accuracy and overall diameter means most drivers won’t notice significant changes in everyday use.
Off-road, the wider tires could provide slight advantages in traction and flotation. The main consideration is ensuring proper fitment, as the width increase may require some adjustments to prevent rubbing.
Overall, this tire switch offers aesthetic and performance benefits without major compromises, making it an attractive option for many drivers seeking a more aggressive look or improved off-road capability.
Can I Use 265/75r17 Tires Instead of 285/70r17?
Yes, you can use 265/75r17 tires instead of 285/70r17. The slight 0.2% difference in diameter falls within the advised 3% limit.
Ensure the load capacity of the 265/75r17 tires meets or surpasses that of the original tires for optimal safety and performance.
How Much Wider Is A 285/70r17 Tire Than A 265/75r17?
The 285/70r17 tire is 0.79 inches (20 mm) wider than the 265/75r17 tire. The specific measurements indicate that the 285/70r17 tire size has a width of 11.22 inches (285mm), while the 265/75r17 tire size is 10.43 inches (265 mm) wide.
How Much Taller Is A 285/70r17 Tire Than 265/75r17?
The 285/70r17 tire is 1.5 mm taller than the 265/75r17 tire. To be precise, the height of the tire size 285/70r17 is about 32.71 inches (830.8 mm), whereas the tire size 265/75r17 stands approximately at 32.65 inches (829.3mm).
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.