Tire Size 295/70r17 vs 33×12.50r17
Switching from 295/70r17 to 33×12.50r17 tires is a popular upgrade for many truck and SUV owners. While the switch is generally safe and within acceptable limits, it’s important to understand the impacts on both on-road and off-road driving experiences.
- Wider tread offers improved traction for off-road driving
- Minimal impact on speedometer accuracy with only 0.7% difference
- Slightly decreased fuel efficiency due to increased width
- Enhanced vehicle aesthetics with a more aggressive stance
- Negligible change in ground clearance for off-road performance
295/70r17 vs 33×12.50r17 Table
The main difference between 295/70r17 and 33×12.50r17 tire size lies in the section width. The tire size 33×12.50r17 is about 0.91 inch wider than the 295/70r17 tire size.
Fitment Guide
It’s crucial to stay within the 3% diameter range for proper fitment. In this case, the diameter difference is only -0.7%, well within the acceptable range. This means the interchange is recommended, and you likely won’t need any major adaptations to accommodate the new tires.
On-Road Impact
The switch to 33×12.50r17 tires will have some noticeable effects on your vehicle’s on-road performance. Here’s what you can expect:
- Gas Mileage: The wider tires may slightly decrease fuel efficiency due to increased rolling resistance. However, the impact should be minimal, typically less than 1 mpg.
- Ride Comfort: You might experience a small improvement in ride comfort. The wider tires can absorb road imperfections better, resulting in a smoother ride.
- Speedometer Accuracy: Your speedometer will be slightly off. At 20 mph, your actual speed will be 19.86 mph. This 0.7% difference is negligible for most driving situations but worth noting for long trips.
- Handling: The wider tires offer improved grip on dry pavement, which can enhance cornering ability. However, they may also increase the risk of hydroplaning in wet conditions due to the larger contact patch.
- Noise: You might notice a slight increase in road noise due to the wider tread pattern. This is usually more noticeable at highway speeds.
Off-Road Impact
Off-road enthusiasts often prefer the 33×12.50r17 size for its advantages in challenging terrain. Here’s how the switch affects off-road performance:
- Traction: The wider tires provide better traction in loose surfaces like sand, mud, and gravel. This can be a significant advantage when navigating difficult trails.
- Ground Clearance: There’s a minimal decrease in ground clearance (-0.12 inches or -2.98 mm). This slight reduction is unlikely to affect your off-road capabilities noticeably.
- Flotation: The wider tires offer improved flotation in soft surfaces, helping to prevent sinking in mud or sand.
- Rock Crawling: The wider footprint can provide better grip on rocky surfaces, potentially improving your vehicle’s rock crawling abilities.
Aesthetics
The switch to 33×12.50r17 tires will give your vehicle a more aggressive look. The wider stance creates a bolder appearance that many off-road enthusiasts prefer. This can enhance the overall rugged appeal of your truck or SUV.
Durability & Wear
The difference in tire size is unlikely to significantly impact durability or wear rates. However, the wider tires may be slightly more prone to uneven wear if not properly aligned and rotated regularly.
What is the Difference Between 295/70r17 and 33×12.5r17?
The main difference between 295/70r17 and 33×12.5r17 tires is their width. The 33×12.5r17 tire is significantly wider, measuring 12.52 inches (318 mm) compared to the 295/70r17’s width of 11.61 inches (295 mm).
This results in a 0.91 inch (23 mm) or 7.8% increase in width, which can notably affect the tire’s footprint, traction, and overall performance characteristics.
Can I Use 33×12.5r17 Instead of 295/70r17?
Yes, you can use 33×12.5r17 tires instead of 295/70r17. The diameter difference between these two tire sizes is only -0.7%, which is well within the recommended 3% limit for safe tire replacement.
This small difference ensures that the switch won’t significantly impact your vehicle’s performance, speedometer accuracy, or safety.
How Much Taller Is a 295/70r17 Tire Than a 33×12.5r17?
The 295/70r17 tire is actually slightly taller than the 33×12.5r17. The difference in height is 0.23 inches (5.96 mm), with the 295/70r17 having a diameter of 33.26 inches (844.8 mm) compared to the 33×12.5r17’s diameter of 33.03 inches (838.84 mm). This represents a minimal 0.7% difference in overall height.
How Much Wider is a 33×12.5r17 Tire Than a 295/70r17?
A 33×12.5r17 tire is 0.91 inches (23 mm) wider than a 295/70r17 tire. The 33×12.5r17 has a width of 12.52 inches (318 mm), while the 295/70r17 measures 11.61 inches (295 mm) wide.
This difference represents a 7.8% increase in width, which is the most significant dimensional change between these two tire sizes.
Our Observation
Switching from 295/70r17 to 33×12.50r17 tires offers a balanced mix of benefits with minimal drawbacks. The wider tires provide improved traction and stability, especially off-road, without significantly impacting on-road performance.
The slight decrease in diameter is negligible for most driving situations, affecting speedometer accuracy by less than 1%. While fuel efficiency may decrease slightly, the enhanced aesthetics and off-road capabilities make this a worthwhile upgrade for many enthusiasts.
However, drivers should be aware of potential increases in road noise and the importance of proper alignment to prevent uneven wear. Overall, this tire switch offers a good compromise between on-road comfort and off-road performance.
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.