Tire Size 285/70r17 vs 275/70r17
The primary difference when switching from 285/70r17 to 275/70r17 tires is a slight reduction in overall size. The new tires are 0.55 inches smaller in diameter and 0.39 inches narrower.
This change affects ground clearance, handling, and appearance, but the impacts are relatively minor due to the small size difference.
- Tire diameter decreases by 0.55 inches, a 1.7% reduction
- Tire width narrows by 0.39 inches, a 3.5% reduction
- Sidewall height decreases by 0.28 inches, a 3.5% reduction
- Slight increase in revolutions per mile by 10.57
- Minor speedometer inaccuracy of about 0.34 mph at 20 mph
285/70r17 vs 275/70r17
Switching from 285/70r17 to 275/70r17 tires is generally safe and within acceptable limits. The diameter difference is only -1.7%, well within the recommended 3% range.
Fitment Guide
The diameter difference between 285/70r17 and 275/70r17 tires is -1.7%, which falls within the acceptable range of plus or minus 3%.
This means the interchange is recommended, and no significant adaptations are necessary to prevent rubbing or clearance issues.
On-Road Impact
Switching to 275/70r17 tires will have some effects on your vehicle’s on-road performance. While these changes are generally minor, they’re worth considering when making your decision.
- Gas Mileage: The smaller 275/70r17 tires may slightly improve fuel efficiency due to reduced rolling resistance and weight. However, the difference is likely to be minimal, perhaps a 1-2% improvement at most.
- Ride Comfort: The narrower tires with slightly shorter sidewalls might result in a marginally firmer ride. This could lead to improved handling but potentially at the cost of a small reduction in comfort, especially on rough roads.
- Speedometer Accuracy: The smaller diameter of the 275/70r17 tires will cause your speedometer to read slightly higher than your actual speed. At 20 mph, your true speed will be about 19.66 mph. This difference increases at higher speeds, so be aware that you’ll be traveling slightly slower than your speedometer indicates.
- Aesthetics: The narrower tires may give your vehicle a slightly less aggressive look. The difference of 0.39 inches in width is noticeable upon close inspection but might not be immediately apparent to casual observers.
- Handling: The narrower tires might provide slightly better performance in wet conditions due to reduced hydroplaning risk. However, they may offer a bit less grip in dry conditions compared to the wider 285/70r17 tires.
Off-Road Impact
For off-road enthusiasts, the switch to 275/70r17 tires will have some noticeable effects, though they’re not drastic given the small size difference.
- Ground Clearance: The 0.55-inch reduction in diameter translates to about 0.275 inches less ground clearance. This difference is minimal for most off-road situations but could be noticeable in extreme rock-crawling scenarios.
- Traction: The narrower tires might provide better performance in mud and snow due to higher ground pressure. However, they may offer slightly less flotation in sand compared to the wider 285/70r17 tires.
- Durability & Wear: The smaller contact patch of the 275/70r17 tires might lead to slightly faster wear in off-road conditions. However, this difference is likely to be negligible in most real-world scenarios.
- Obstacle Clearance: The smaller diameter tires will have a minor impact on your vehicle’s ability to clear obstacles. The 0.55-inch reduction in diameter means you’ll have slightly less tire to help roll over rocks or logs.
What is the Difference Between 285/70r17 and 275/70r17?
The main difference between 285/70r17 and 275/70r17 tires lies in their width and overall diameter. The 285/70r17 tire is wider and has a larger overall diameter compared to the 275/70r17.
This difference in size affects various aspects of the tire’s performance and appearance, including ground clearance, handling characteristics, and the vehicle’s stance.
Can I Use 285/70r17 Instead of 275/70r17?
Yes, you can use 285/70r17 tires instead of 275/70r17 tires. The diameter difference between these two tire sizes is approximately 1.7%, which falls within the acceptable range of 3% recommended for safe tire replacement.
This means the interchange is generally considered safe and shouldn’t cause significant issues with vehicle performance or safety systems.
How Much Taller Is A 285/70r17 Tire Than A 275/70r17?
A 285/70r17 tire is 0.55 inches (14 mm) taller than a 275/70r17 tire. The 285/70r17 has a diameter of 32.71 inches (830.8 mm), while the 275/70r17 has a diameter of 32.16 inches (816.8 mm). This height difference represents a 1.7% increase in overall diameter.
How Much Wider is a 285/70r17 Tire Than a 275/70r17?
A 285/70r17 tire is 0.39 inches (10 mm) wider than a 275/70r17 tire. The 285/70r17 has a width of 11.22 inches (285 mm), while the 275/70r17 has a width of 10.83 inches (275 mm). This width difference represents a 3.5% increase in tire width.
Our Observation
Switching from 285/70r17 to 275/70r17 tires offers a mix of benefits and drawbacks. The smaller tires may provide slightly better fuel efficiency and wet-weather performance on-road, while potentially offering improved mud and snow traction off-road.
However, these gains come at the cost of a minimal reduction in ground clearance, dry-condition grip, and overall off-road capability. For most drivers, the differences will be subtle and may not significantly impact day-to-day driving.
Off-road enthusiasts might notice the changes more, especially in challenging terrains. Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific driving needs and preferences
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.