Tire Size 295/70r17 vs 265/70r17
Are you considering switching from 295/70R17 to 265/70R17 tires on your vehicle? While they may seem similar, there are some key differences to be aware of.
- Reduced ground clearance could increase risk of bottoming out on rough roads
- Slightly improved fuel efficiency due to increased revolutions per mile
- Firmer ride quality compared to the taller 295/70R17 tires
- Speedometer will read 5% faster than actual speed if not recalibrated
- Shorter sidewalls offer less cushioning and conformity off-road
- Aesthetic impact of shorter, less aggressive tire size
265/70r17 vs 295/70r17
This comparison table will provide you with a quick and easy way to comprehend the differences.
Fitment Guide
When replacing tires, the new set should be within 3% of the overall diameter of the originals to prevent clearance issues.
The 265/70r17 tires are 5% smaller in overall diameter than 295/70r17. So 265/70r17 could replace 295/70r17 tires without needed modifications. Going more than 3% smaller may require speedometer recalibration.
Ground Clearance
With a diameter of 33.26 inches, 295/70r17 tires provide 1.65 inches more ground clearance than 265/70r17 tires, which have a 31.61-inch diameter.
The extra clearance is useful for off-roading by preventing scrapes over obstacles. However, the larger diameter also causes a lower speedometer reading compared to the 265/70r17.
Gas Mileage
The narrower 265/70r17 tires have less rolling resistance, which confer slightly better fuel efficiency than 295/70r17. This makes them a good choice for daily driving and long trips where mpg is important.
Ride Comfort
While the 265/70r17 shorter sidewall transmits more road impacts into the cabin, the 295/70r17 extra sidewall cushioning provides a smoother ride over uneven surfaces. The difference is minor, though. Both sizes deliver a comfortable ride.
Aesthetics
Visually, the 295/70r17 appears more aggressive due to its larger diameter and slightly taller sidewall. This suits trucks and SUVs well.
The 265/70r17 looks more low profile, which some prefer on sports cars or sedans. Overall, the difference is subtle.
Handling & Stability
The 265/70r17 shorter sidewall enhances responsiveness and handling precision, especially around corners.
The 295/70r17 extra sidewall flex reduces handling sharpness slightly. However, both provide responsive, stable handling on pavement.
Noise & Vibration
With a shorter sidewall, the 265/70r17 transmits more road noise and vibration into the cabin compared to the 295/70r17.
The taller sidewall of the 295/70r17 dampens noise and vibration better. However, both tires are relatively quiet and smooth.
Durability & Wear
The narrower 265/70r17 may exhibit slightly more even treadwear and longer life compared to the wider 295/70r17.
However, both sizes are durable, and the difference is unlikely to be significant over their usable tread life.
Adverse Conditions
Performance in rain, snow, and off-road is comparable between the two. The 295/70r17 extra ground clearance gives it a slight advantage off-road, while the 265/70r17 handles better on snowy roads. Overall, both perform well in adverse conditions.
Speedometer Reading
Due to its larger diameter, the speedometer reads higher with 295/70r17 tires compared to 265/70r17 at the same true speed.
For example, at an actual speed of 20 mph, the speedometer would read around 19.01 mph with 265/70r17 tires equipped.
Difference Between 295/70r17 and 265/70r17
The section width is the main difference between 295/70r17 and 265/70r17 tires. The 295/70r17 tires have a width of 11.61 inches, while the 265/70r17 tires are narrower at 10.43 inches. This width difference affects various performance factors.
Can I Use 265/70R17 Instead of 295/70R17?
It is not recommended to use 265/70R17 tires instead of 295/70R17, as the 5% difference in overall diameter exceeds the acceptable 3% range.
This size change could negatively impact vehicle handling, safety, and performance. Adaptations may be necessary to avoid rubbing or clearance issues.
How Much Taller Is a 295/70R17 Tire Than a 265/70R17?
A 295/70R17 tire is 1.65 inches (42 mm) taller than a 265/70R17 tire. This height difference is due to the larger overall diameter of the 295/70R17 size, which stands 33.26 inches tall compared to the 31.61-inch height of the 265/70R17 size.
How Much Wider is a 295/70R17 Tire Than a 265/70R17?
A 295/70R17 tire is 1.18 inches (30 mm) wider than a 265/70R17 tire. The 295/70R17 size has a section width of 11.61 inches, while the 265/70R17 measures 10.43 inches wide. This extra width provides a larger contact patch for the 295/70R17 tires.
Our Observation
After analyzing the differences between 295/70R17 and 265/70R17 tires, we found that the 5% reduction in overall diameter is significant enough to potentially impact vehicle performance, safety, and efficiency.
The smaller 265/70R17 tires may slightly improve fuel economy but could negatively affect ground clearance, ride comfort, speedometer accuracy, and off-road capability. For most drivers, staying with the original 295/70R17 tire size is likely the best choice.
However, if you do decide to switch to 265/70R17 tires, be aware of the potential trade-offs and make sure to have your speedometer recalibrated.
Consult with a trusted tire professional to determine if the switch is appropriate for your specific vehicle and driving needs.
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.