Tire Size 315/70r17 vs 295/70r17
Switching from 315/70r17 to 295/70r17 tires brings subtle but noticeable changes to your vehicle’s performance. This swap reduces tire diameter by 3.2% and width by 6.3%.
While these differences seem small, they can impact various aspects of your driving experience, from fuel efficiency to off-road capability. Let’s explore the effects of this tire change and how it might influence your decision.
- Tire diameter decreases by 1.1 inches, affecting ground clearance and speedometer accuracy.
- Narrower width may improve fuel efficiency but could reduce off-road traction.
- Smaller size might enhance on-road handling but slightly reduce off-road performance.
- Speedometer will read about 3.3% higher than actual speed after the switch.
315/70r17 vs 295/70r17 Table
Fitment Guide
The switch from 315/70r17 to 295/70r17 tires results in a 3.2% decrease in overall diameter. This change exceeds the recommended range of plus or minus 3% for tire replacements, albeit only slightly.
Since the diameter difference falls outside the acceptable range, this interchange is not recommended without careful consideration and potential modifications
Ground Clearance
Switching to the smaller 295/70r17 tire will reduce your vehicle’s ground clearance by about 0.55 inches (14 mm). For most on-road driving, this difference is negligible.
However, if you frequently tackle off-road trails or live in areas with harsh winters, this slight reduction could make a difference. You might notice:
- Slightly increased risk of undercarriage contact on rough terrain
- Marginally reduced ability to clear obstacles like rocks or deep snow
- A subtle change in the vehicle’s stance and appearance
While half an inch might not seem like much, it can matter in extreme off-road situations. For daily driving and moderate trails, the impact will likely be minimal.
Gas Mileage
The switch to 295/70r17 tires may bring a small boost to your fuel economy. The narrower width (0.79 inches less) and smaller overall diameter result in:
- Reduced rolling resistance
- Less rotational mass
- Slightly improved aerodynamics
These factors can contribute to better fuel efficiency, especially on long highway drives. The difference might be subtle – perhaps 1-2% improvement in mpg – but it could add up over time for high-mileage drivers.
Aesthetics Look
Visually, the change from 315/70r17 to 295/70r17 will be noticeable but not dramatic. The new tires will appear:
- Slightly narrower (about 0.8 inches less width)
- A bit smaller in overall diameter (1.1 inches less)
This change might give your vehicle a slightly less aggressive stance. Some drivers prefer the beefy look of wider tires, while others appreciate the more streamlined appearance of a narrower profile. The aesthetic impact largely comes down to personal preference.
Ride Comfort
The switch to 295/70r17 tires may result in a small but noticeable change in ride comfort:
- On-road comfort might improve slightly due to less unsprung weight
- Off-road comfort could decrease marginally due to reduced air volume
The smaller sidewall (8.13 inches vs 8.68 inches) means there’s less tire to absorb bumps and impacts. This might make the ride feel a bit firmer, especially on rough roads. However, the difference in everyday driving situations will likely be minimal.
Speedometer Accuracy
The 3.2% reduction in tire diameter will affect your speedometer reading. Your vehicle will actually be traveling slightly slower than the speedometer indicates. For example:
- When the speedometer reads 60 mph, you’ll actually be going about 58 mph
- At a indicated 100 km/h, your true speed will be closer to 97 km/h
This difference is significant enough that you might want to keep it in mind, especially when judging speeds for overtaking or in speed-critical areas like school zones.
Handling & Stability
The switch to 295/70r17 tires may bring some changes to your vehicle’s handling characteristics:
- Improved responsiveness on paved roads due to less sidewall flex
- Slightly reduced stability in off-road situations
- Potentially better cornering due to less tire roll
On-road, you might notice quicker steering response and a more planted feel in corners. Off-road, the narrower tire might not provide quite as much stability on uneven terrain, but the difference will be subtle for most drivers.
Durability & Wear
The 295/70r17 tires may offer some advantages in terms of durability and wear:
- Potentially longer tread life due to less weight and rolling resistance
- Possibly more even wear patterns, especially if you do mostly on-road driving
- Reduced stress on suspension components due to less unsprung weight
However, if you do a lot of off-road driving, the narrower tire might wear faster in those conditions due to increased pressure on a smaller contact patch.
Adverse Condition Performance
In challenging weather or terrain, the switch to 295/70r17 tires might bring some trade-offs:
- Possibly improved performance in snow due to higher ground pressure
- Slightly reduced capability in deep mud or sand
- Potential for better hydroplaning resistance on wet roads
The narrower tire might cut through snow more effectively, but it could struggle more in very loose surfaces where flotation is beneficial. In heavy rain, the smaller contact patch could help channel water more efficiently.
Noise & Vibration
You may notice some changes in road noise and vibration after switching:
- Potentially reduced tire noise on highways due to narrower tread
- Possibly increased vibration from road imperfections due to less air volume
- Subtle changes in the pitch or tone of tire noise
The difference in noise levels will likely be small, and many drivers might not notice unless they’re particularly attuned to their vehicle’s sound.
Our Observation
Switching from 315/70r17 to 295/70r17 tires brings a mix of benefits and trade-offs. The smaller size may improve fuel efficiency and on-road handling, making it a good choice for drivers who spend most of their time on pavement.
However, the reduction in size also means a slight decrease in ground clearance and potentially less off-road capability. The change falls within acceptable fitment guidelines, so major issues are unlikely.
For daily driving and moderate off-road use, the differences will be subtle. Hardcore off-road enthusiasts might notice more significant impacts, particularly in extreme terrain.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your driving habits and priorities, balancing on-road efficiency with off-road capability.
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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.