Tire Size 275/70r17 vs 265/70r17
When it comes to tire sizes, even small changes can make a noticeable difference in your driving experience. Switching from 275/70r17 to 265/70r17 tires involves a reduction in both tire width and sidewall height, which can affect various aspects of your vehicle’s performance.
- The overall diameter of 265/70r17 tires is 1.7% smaller than 275/70r17 tires.
- The width of 265/70r17 tires is 3.8% narrower than 275/70r17 tires.
- The sidewall height of 265/70r17 tires is 3.8% lower than 275/70r17 tires.
- Switching to 265/70r17 tires may slightly impact speedometer accuracy, ground clearance, and aesthetics.
275/70r17 vs 265/70r17 Table
The primary difference between 275/70r17 and 265/70r17 tires lies in their width. The 265/70r17 tires are 10 mm (0.39 inches) narrower than the 275/70r17 tires, which translates to a 3.8% reduction in width.
Fitment Guide
The diameter difference between 275/70r17 and 265/70r17 tires is 1.7%. This falls within the acceptable range of plus or minus 3%, meaning that switching to 265/70r17 tires should not require any significant modifications to your vehicle.
On-Road Impact
When driving on paved roads, the switch from 275/70r17 to 265/70r17 tires may result in some minor changes to your vehicle’s performance. Here’s what you can expect:
- Speedometer Accuracy: Due to the 1.7% difference in tire diameter, your speedometer may read slightly faster than your actual speed. At 20 mph, the speedometer will display 20.35 mph. While noticeable, this difference is minimal and shouldn’t significantly affect your driving experience.
- Ride Comfort: The narrower width and lower sidewall height of 265/70r17 tires may result in a slightly firmer ride compared to 275/70r17 tires. However, this difference is likely to be minimal and may not be noticeable to most drivers.
- Fuel Efficiency: The smaller overall diameter of 265/70r17 tires means that your vehicle’s engine will need to work slightly harder to maintain the same speed, potentially leading to a minor decrease in fuel efficiency. However, this difference is likely to be negligible in real-world driving conditions.
Off-Road Impact
If you frequently take your vehicle off-road, switching from 275/70r17 to 265/70r17 tires may have a more noticeable impact on your driving experience. Consider the following factors:
- Ground Clearance: The 0.55-inch (14 mm) reduction in overall tire diameter may result in a slight decrease in ground clearance. While this difference is small, it could be more noticeable when navigating rough terrain or obstacles.
- Traction: The narrower width of 265/70r17 tires may provide less traction in loose or muddy conditions compared to the wider 275/70r17 tires. However, this difference may be less apparent on hard-packed surfaces or rock crawling situations.
- Durability: The lower sidewall height of 265/70r17 tires means that there is less rubber protecting the wheel from impacts. This could potentially increase the risk of wheel damage when driving over rough terrain, so it’s important to be mindful of your surroundings and adjust your driving style accordingly.
What is the Difference Between 265/70r17 and 35×12.5r17?
The main difference between 265/70r17 and 35×12.5r17 tires lies in their overall size. The 35×12.5r17 tire is significantly larger than the 265/70r17 tire.
The 35×12.5r17 tire has a diameter of approximately 35 inches and a width of 12.5 inches, while the 265/70r17 tire has a diameter of 31.61 inches and a width of 10.43 inches.
This substantial difference in size can greatly impact the vehicle’s appearance, ground clearance, and overall performance.
Can I Use 275/70r17 Instead of 265/70r17?
Yes, you can use 275/70r17 tires instead of 265/70r17 tires. The difference in diameter between these two tire sizes is 0.55 inches or 1.7%, which falls within the generally acceptable range of 3%.
This means that switching from 265/70r17 to 275/70r17 tires should not cause any significant issues with your vehicle’s handling, speedometer accuracy, or overall performance.
How Much Taller Is a 275/70r17 Tire Than a 265/70r17?
A 275/70r17 tire is 0.55 inches (14 mm) taller than a 265/70r17 tire. The diameter of a 275/70r17 tire is 32.16 inches (816.8 mm), while the diameter of a 265/70r17 tire is 31.61 inches (802.8 mm).
The difference in height between these two tire sizes is relatively small and should not significantly affect the vehicle’s ground clearance or overall performance.
How Much Wider is a 275/70r17 Tire Than a 265/70r17?
A 275/70r17 tire is 0.39 inches (10 mm) wider than a 265/70r17 tire. The width of a 275/70r17 tire is 10.83 inches (275 mm), while the width of a 265/70r17 tire is 10.43 inches (265 mm).
This difference in width is about 3.8%, which is slightly more than the generally acceptable range of 3%.
However, this difference is still relatively small and should not cause significant issues with the vehicle’s handling or performance, as long as the tires fit properly within the wheel wells and do not rub against any components.
Our Observations
After analyzing the data and considering the potential impacts on both on-road and off-road performance, we believe that switching from 275/70r17 to 265/70r17 tires is a viable option for most drivers. The differences in size are within the acceptable range and should not require any significant modifications to your vehicle.
However, it’s essential to keep in mind that the narrower width and lower sidewall height of 265/70r17 tires may result in a slightly firmer ride and potentially less traction in loose off-road conditions. These differences are likely to be minimal and may not be noticeable to most drivers, especially those who primarily use their vehicles on paved roads.
Ultimately, the decision to switch from 275/70r17 to 265/70r17 tires depends on your specific driving needs and preferences. If you prioritize a smoother ride and maximum off-road capability, sticking with 275/70r17 tires may be the better choice.
However, if you’re looking for a tire that offers a balance of on-road performance and off-road capability, while still maintaining acceptable ground clearance and speedometer accuracy, then switching to 265/70r17 tires could be a suitable option.
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.