When driving, I feel mesmerized by the smoothness of my car. And, I can credit this to the tires of it. But often, the tire size gets overlooked in importance.
I realized the tire size creates significant difference among tires. Especially how it affects smoothness and handling of my drive.
Two of the most preferred tires for cars are 225 45r17 vs 235 45r17 tire size. But their sizes differ and affect rides. In this article, I will show the two tires differs from each other by:
- The differences in sidewall height and overall diameter
- The minimal difference in tire width
- One has larger overall diameter and wheel size than the other
- How the codes on tires indicate their size and other relevant measurements
So, let’s start exploring how the two tires differ and which one to choose.
225/45r17 Vs 235/45r17: Summarized Comparison Table
Following, I present an overall, summarized comparison of the two tires, in terms of their measurements. This overview will give a glance at the detailed descriptions that follow.
| Measuring Metric | 225/45R17 | 235/45R17 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tire & Vehicle Type | Euro | Euro | Same |
| Overall Diameter | 24.97″ | 25.33” | .35 |
| Tire Width | 8.9″ | 9.25” | Around .35 inches |
| Sidewall height | 4″ | 4.16” | Around .16 inches |
| Construction | Radial & Diagonal | Radial | Come in both constructions |
| Circumference | 78.5″ | 79.6” | Around 1.11 inches |
| Wheel size | 17″ | 17” | same |
| Revolutions per Mile | 807 per mile | 796 per mile | Around 11 rev per miles |
| Load Index | 91 | 91 | same |
| Max Load Capacity | 1356 lbs | 1356 lbs | same |
| Speed Rating | Varies by Brand | Varies by Brand | N/A |
| Durability | 70,000 miles | 60,000 miles | 10,000 miles |
225 45r17 vs 235 45r17 Tire Size – detailed discussion
Now that I showed the key parameters and decoded their presence on tires, let us compare the two tires in detail to better understand the roles of the tire sizes and measurements and what makes them useful, or even useless:
Vehicle Type & Tire Metric
When buying or replacing the tire of our choice, the first thing to determine is the tire’s compatibility with the vehicle. Usually, tires for passenger cars, SUVs, and light pickups have either P-Metric or Euro-Metric.
The “P” of P-Metric depicts a tire for passenger cars, whereas Euro-Metric tires don’t have any symbol or character at the start of the tire size code. These tire types are used for SUVs and pickup vans in the US.
Both 225 45R17 vs 235 45R17 tires Sizes fall in this category
Tire Measurements
The above tire size code consists of various parameters as indicated above. Now, I will describe the parameters by comparing the two tire sizes:
Overall Diameter
By looking at the overall diameter, we can calculate the height of the sidewall which, in turn, can affect the driving experience. A higher sidewall usually results in a more comfortable ride but can compromise the vehicle’s maneuverability.
For example, the 235 45r17 tire has a larger overall diameter of 25.33 inches compared to the 225 45r17, which has a diameter of 24.97 inches, making it about 0.35 inches bigger.
Tire Width
The first three numbers of the tire code represent the tire width in millimeters. This measurement indicates the distance between the widest points on the inner and outer sidewalls.
However, tire width can vary based on the size of the rim, so engineers take this into account when determining the appropriate size for a specific rim.
When mounted on the specified rim, the 225 45r17 tire has a width of 225 mm, whereas the 235 45r17 tire has a width of 235 mm, making it slightly wider (roughly by 10 millimeters) than the 225 45r17 tire.
You can convert the number into inches if you divide the given number by 25.4, or use a calculator.
Sidewall Hight
The distance from the tire’s tread edge to its top is referred to as the sidewall height. Generally, a taller sidewall can result in a more comfortable ride, but it may also make the vehicle less responsive.
The 225 45r17 tire has a sidewall height of 101.25 mm, while the 235 45r17 has a sidewall height of 105.75 mm, which means that the 235 45r17 tire has a slightly taller sidewall than the 225 45r17 tire, a difference of 4.5mm approximately.
Circumference
The distance around the tire’s exterior is known as its circumference. A greater circumference can lead to higher speeds, but it may also reduce the vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
When comparing the 225 45r17 tire with the 235 45r17 tire, the former has a circumference of 78.45 inches, while the latter has a circumference of 79.57 inches. A difference of roughly 1.11 inches, tilted toward 235 45r17.
Wheel size
Also known as the Rim Diameter, this figure specifies the wheel size where the tire fits. For instance, the tire code of P225/45R17, the “R17” denotes that the tire is constructed with radial ply and can be used with a 17-inch wheel.
It is widely known among vehicle owners that tires can only be mounted on wheels that have the same inner diameter as the tire. When comparing the two tires at hand, both can be mounted on a 17-inch wheel..
Construction
Radial (R):
“R” signifies radial construction, which is the newest type with plies extending radially from the center to the circumference at an appropriate angle.
These tires are additionally strengthened with steel belts. Over 98% of tires available on the market are of this variety. These also have the most durable composition and longest lifespans among the tires.
Diagonal (D):
“-” or “D” refers to bias-ply (diagonal) construction, which is the oldest kind with plies that crisscross diagonally.
Bias-belt (B):
“B” denotes bias-belt construction, which is identical to bias-ply construction but has an additional belt to reinforce the tire.
The 225 45r17 can be availed in radial or diagonal, while the 235 45r17 is only available in radial construction. Radial tires are typically more durable and have a longer lifespan than other types of tires.
Revolutions per Mile
The revolutions per mile (RPM) indicate the number of times a tire will rotate in one mile. If the RPM is higher, it can reduce a vehicle’s fuel efficiency. The 225 45r17 tire has a slightly higher RPM of 807, than that of the 235 45r17, which is 796.
Load Index
This denotes the numerical rating assigned to a tire size that shows a comparison of its ability to carry loads or support a maximum weight when properly inflated. Generally, passenger tires possess a load index within the range of 75 to 105.
Both 225 45r17 and 235 45r17 tires have a load index of 91 which equals a maximum load capacity of 1356 lbs.
Other Important Factors
Besides the above, few other important parameters reflect on a tire’s performance usability. The speed rating and durability of tires determine how far these will sustain with superior performance.
Speed Rating
The speed rating of a tire denotes the highest speed at which it can dissolve heat effectively. Typically, the speed rating is represented by one or two letters or a combination of a letter and a number at the end of the tire code.
The speed ratings of the two tires in comparison vary from brand to brand. But a general speed rating chart is given as follows:
Durability
The durability or lasting capacity of a tire depends on three factors namely: a) treadwear b) traction c) temperature as set by Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG).
Treadwear
This parameter indicates how much longer a given tire will last in comparison to a reference tire. This indication is set by (UTQG) comparing the durability of a particular tire to that of another benchmark tire. Usually, tires with lower treadwear (e.g., sports car tires) feature faster movement and softer load but wear quickly.
Traction
This measurement shows how well the tire provides traction on wet surfaces. The standard ratings set by UTQG are AA, A, B, and C. The best is AA and the comparatively worst is C. Factors like hydroplaning resistance or braking are not considered in these cases, though.
Temperature
As mentioned above, the speed rating shows how much heat or temperature the tire can dissipate. Ratings are from A to C; the best being A which can sustain speeds of 115 mph or more.
Cracking the Tire Code
As mentioned above, all tires have a nomenclature, or long code, that represents their major parameters. For example, the term 225/45R17 represents certain parameters and metrics of the tire. The majority of the parameters in the above table consist of these.
Choosing the Optimum One
If I were to go for the better tire between 225 45r17 and 235 45r17, then I would look at points such as the vehicle, the weather, the road, and the context.
One ride can be more comfortable but less precise in handling, while the other option can be less comfortable but more precise in handling. Ultimately, the decision depends on individual preferences.
If a smoother ride is desired, the 225 45r17 might be a better option, but if more precise handling is preferred, the 235 45r17 might be the way to go. Regardless of the choice, it is likely that the new tires will be satisfactory.
I hope everyone will enjoy their new tires and have a safe and fun ride.
Read More: 225 45r17 vs 215 50r17 Tire Size – Table Of Comparison
Frequently Asked Questions
How Tall Is A 235 45 17?
The 235 45r17 has a sidewall height of 105.75 mm, which measures its height from one end of the tire to another. It plays a vital role in car handling.
Bigger tire aspect ratio means bigger and taller tire sidewall. These in turn mean that the vehicles will have smoother rides.
What does 225 45R17 mean on a tire?
It is the tire code which basically shows that-
1. the tire width equals 225 mm. this is one of the most preferred tire widths out there. In inches, it is around 8.86.
2. the Aspect ratio (the relation of the tire’s width and height in percent) is 45%. Comparatively lower aspect ratio indicates higher performance but less smooth rides. It is best to select the tire size that would suit the roads the car drives on.
3. it is radial tire with 17-inch wheel size. Radial-type tires are one of the three types of internal constructions found among tires. It is the most common and preferred type now. Usually, these radial tires
o have flexible sidewalls
o lesser rolling resistance which means less fuel consumption
o less vibration
o more durability or lifespan
What Is The Width Of A 235 45 Wheel?
The width of this wheel is 235 mm or 9.25 inches, as depicted by the first code in its label.
This type of tire size is having a wider tire width and taller sidewalls as compared to 225 45 tires. Also, the rides are less comfortable, but the drive handling is more precise.
What Is A 245 Tire In Inches?
The width of this tire would be around 9.65 inches. “245” depicts tire width in millimeters, which is converted by dividing 25.4. A tire with this size would have a higher aspect ratio. And, one can expect it to be easy to handle
