235 65r16 vs 235 70r16 Tire – A Detailed Overview

Are you planning to choose between the 235 65r16 and 235 70r16 tires but confused about making the right choice for you? Then, believe me, this article is just for you.

In this guide, we are going to make a detailed comparison between the 235 65r16 and 235 70r16 tires and it will surely help you decide which one suits your vehicle the best. What’s more, we are going to discuss with you each and every little detail about these two types of tires.

So, if you don’t want to miss out on all the interesting stuff that we have stored for you, then sit tight and finish the rest of the article to the end and enlighten yourself with the knowledge that will surely help you decide which tire to choose for your vehicle.

235/65r16 vs 235/70r16 Tires: Detailed Comparison Chart

235 65R16 vs 235 70R16

This comparison chart will provide you with precious knowledge of every little difference between 235 65r16 vs 235 70r16 tires. Let’s see what the comparison chart has instore for us about the characteristics and type of the two tires:

Parameters235/65r16 Tires235/70r16 Tires
Section Width9.25 inches9.25 inches
Sidewall Height6.01 inches6.48 inches
Overall Diameter28.03 inches28.95 inches
Circumference88.05 inches90.96 inches
Revs Per Mile720 km/h697 km/h
Radius14.01 inches 14.48 inches 
Typical Weight30.6 kg31.5 kg
Rim Width Range6.50-8.50 inches6-7.50 inches
Car HeightBasic11.7 mm
Ground ClearanceStock11.7 mm
Max PSI44 psi50 psi
Rim Diameter16 inches16 inches
Tire TypesA-Radial Ply TireA-Radial Ply Tire
Load RangeStandardC-6 ply
Sidewall LettersBlackBlack
Tread Depth10/32 inches15/32 inches
Max Load1929 lbs1985 lbs
Actual Speed62.14 mph60.15 mph

235 65r16 vs 235 70r16 Tires: What Are the Differences?

This section will help you to provide and elaborate on all the little differences that you have come across in the table shown above. This section is designed in such a way that it will be able to answer all your questions and also help you find all the little differences between these two tires. Here is the discussion:

Section Width

Cross-section width or section width is one of the first things to consider when making a comparison between the 235 65r16 and 235 70r16 Tires.

Section width is usually measured from sidewall to sidewall. If you know the perfect measurement of the section width of a tire, it will obviously help you to decide which type of tire will suit your vehicle better.

The section width of the 235 65r16 tires is 9.25 inches or 235 mm which is quite similar to the 235 70r16 tires. So, in terms of the section width, there is absolutely no difference between the two tires.

Sidewall Height

The sidewall height of a tire refers to the distance which is measured from the edge of the tread to the top of the tire. The sidewall height of a vehicle becomes really important because the ride quality of your vehicle gets affected by this.

The sidewall height of the 235 65r16 tires is 6.01 inches or 153 mm. On the other hand, the sidewall height of the 235 70r16 tires is 6.48 inches or 165 mm. The difference between the two is 0.46 inches or 12 mm only.

Circumference 

The circumference of a tire refers to the total distance it travels in a single revolution. It affects the gear ratios and the speedometer readings as well.

The circumference of the 235 65r16 tires is 88.05 inches or 2236 mm. Whereas, the circumference of the 235 70r16 tires is 90.96 inches or 2310 mm. The difference between the two is 2.91 inches or 74 mm.

Overall Diameter 

The overall diameter of a tire is responsible for affecting your vehicle’s handling performance and has the ability to provide you with an amazing driving experience altogether.

The overall diameter of the 235 65r16 tires is 28.03 inches or 712 mm. On the contrary, the overall diameter of the 235 70r16 tires is 28.95 inches/ 735 mm. The difference between the two is 0.93 inches or 23 mm.

Revolutions Per Mile

Revolutions per mile or RPM of a tire usually means how many times the tire will roll or complete a full round while covering a distance of one mile. It generally affects the fuel consumption rate of your vehicle.

The rate of RPM  for the 235 65r16 tires is 720 km/h. Whereas, the rate of RPM for the 235 70r16 tires is 697 km/h. The difference between the RPMs is 23 km/h. This means that the 235 65r16 tires will roll for 23 times more in order to cover a distance of one mile.

Radius

If you Combine the tire’s sidewall height with the radius of the rims, you will get the exact radius of a tire. The radius of a tire is important because it enables you to match and get the spare parts for your tires very easily.

In the case of the 235 65r16 tires, the radius is 14.01 inches. On the other hand, the 235 70r16 tires have a radius of 14.48 inches. The difference between the two is 0.47 inches.

Tire Types 

For both the tires, 235 65r16 and 235 70r16, the construction type of the tires is radial. This means that the cord plies are usually arranged in such a way that the angle always remains at 90 degrees to the direction it runs.    

Radial tire construction types are great for reducing the build-up heat and offering a more comfortable riding experience. What’s more, these tires are great for distributing weights evenly.

Rim Diameter

Rim or wheel diameter usually refers to the distance which is measured in inches and it is generally done across the face of the wheel. Having a wider rim diameter means, your vehicle will get more driving safety and will be able to carry more loads as well.

In the case of the 235 65r16 tires, they have a rim diameter of 16 inches. The same thing is also true for the 235 70r16 tires as they too have the same rim diameter as well. So, in terms of the rim diameter, there is absolutely no difference between the two.

Typical Weight

The weight of the tire is responsible for increasing the weight of the vehicle to a great extent. Heavier vehicles find it a lot more difficult to reach top speed. Similarly, they can’t slow down on time either. This also affects their fuel consumption too.

The 235 65r16 tires have a typical weight of 30.6 kg. On the contrary, the 235 70r16 tires have a typical weight of 31.5 kg. The difference between the two tires in terms of the typical weight is 0.9 kg.

Actual Speed

The actual speed of the 235 65r16 tires is 62.14 mph. On the contrary, the actual speed of the 235 70r16 tires is around 60.15 mph. The difference between the two is 1.99 mph in terms of the actual speed.

235 65R16 vs 235 70R16: 3 Major Differences in Performance

There are not many differences between the two types of tires. The 3 major differences between the two tires are given below: –

Treadwear

Larger and wider tires have the ability to protect both the tires and the rims from damage. So, there is less chance for your tires to become punctured when they hit any heavy objects or stones.

The 235 70r16 tires are slightly heavier and wider than the 235 65r16 tires. So, they have a reduced risk of damaging themselves when they hit any pointy objects while running at a full speed.

Steering Response  

If your tire’s height is greater than its rim diameter then you will get a slow steering response and your cornering will also be very poor as well.

The height of the 235 70r16 tires is more than the rim diameter. So, there is a slight chance that you will get a slow steering response from the 235 70r16 tires compared to the 235 65r16 tires.

Again, you will receive a slightly better cornering performance from the 235 65r16 tires compared to the 235 70r16 tires.  

Vehicle Weight

The general rule of thumb is that your tire’s weight increases the overall weight of the vehicle. So, the vehicles which are heavier, find it really difficult to accelerate and decelerate at the same time. They also consume more fuel as well.

The typical weight of the 235 65r16 tires is 0.9 kg less than the 235 70r16 tires. This means that your vehicle will find it a lot easier to accelerate and slow down on time. Moreover, it will give you better fuel economy as well.

What Does the 235/70R16 in Inches Tire?

The section width of the tire is 9.3 inches. The section width usually represents the measurement of the tire’s width and is measured from its inner sidewall to its outer sidewall.

It has a rim diameter of 16 inches which usually represents the size of the wheel on which the tire is generally mounted. It has a sidewall height of 6.5 inches. This is the measurement from the rim of the wheel to the top of the tire’s tread.

It has an overall diameter of  29 inches which represents the outer diameter of the tire and usually points to the height of the tire. It has a diameter of 91.1 inches which represents the out perimeter of the tire. If you convert the 235/70r16 tires, it will look like this 29×9.3r16.

The 235/70r16 tires usually makes 695 revolutions per mile or 433 revolutions per kilometer. The revolutions per mile usually stand to the exact number of times a tire revolves or makes a full round while covering the distance in miles or kilometers.   

What Are the Replacement Tire Sizes for 235/70R16 Tires?

You can replace the 235/70r16 tires with some other tires as long as the replacement tires are within 3% of the original tire’s overall diameter. This allows you to choose wider tires with smaller sidewalls. Just don’t decrease the diameter of the wheel. 

There are many tires that can be replaced with the 235/70r16 tires. We have compiled a list of the top 10 best tire collections just for you.  Look at the table below to find out more about the replacements for the 235/70r16 tires:-

Tire SizesOverall DiameterDifferenceWheel Size
215/75R1628.7 inches-1.03%16
225/70R1628.4 inches-2.07%16
225/75R1629.3 inches1.03%16
255/65R1629.1 inches0.34%16
245/70R1629.5 inches1.72%16
235/60R1728.1 inches-3%17
245/60R1728.6 inches-1.6%17
265/55R1728.5 inches-1.6%17
235/55R1828.1 inches-2.9 %18
265/50R1828.5 inches-1.8%18
295/45R1828.5 inches-1.8%18
305/45R1828.8 inches-0.7%18

What Does the 235/70R16 Tires Actually Stand for?

In this section, we are going to decode the 235/70r16 tires for you. After the decoding process, you will be able to tell and understand clearly what the different numbers and letters represent. Let’s see what these numbers and letters represent:

Symbols
Description
235This number means that the width of the tire is 235 millimeters.
70This number indicates that the tire has an aspect ratio of 70%. This usually means that the sidewall height of the tire is 70% of the tire.
RThe letter R means that the construction type of the tire is radial. This is a standard tire construction type that 99% of tires have.
16The letter 16 means that this tire is designed to fit wheels that are 16 inches in diameter.

Advantage of 235/70r16 in inches tire

235/70R16 tires have several advantages that make them a popular choice for SUVs, light trucks, and vans.

Good Handling

The section width of 235 millimeters and aspect ratio of 70% provide a balance of stability and responsiveness, making these tires well-suited for both highway and off-road driving.

Traction

These tires have a larger contact patch than smaller tires, which means that they have more rubber in contact with the road. This improves traction and allows for better braking and acceleration.

Durability

With a larger diameter, these tires have a larger sidewall and more rubber to wear out, which makes them more durable and able to withstand rough terrains.

Load-carrying capacity

The larger size of these tires allows them to support more weight, which makes them well-suited for vehicles that are frequently loaded with heavy cargo.

Improved fuel economy

The larger diameter of these tires reduces the number of rotations required to cover a certain distance, which results in a lower rolling resistance, leading to better fuel economy.

Better ride comfort

The larger diameter and wider width of these tires tend to absorb road imperfections better, providing a smoother ride for the passengers.

In summary, 235/70R16 tires offer a good balance of handling, traction, durability, load-carrying capacity, improved fuel economy and better ride comfort, making them a popular choice for SUVs, light trucks, and vans.

Some Important Questions with Answers for the 235/70R16 in inches Tires 

  • Q: What Is the Ideal Rim Size for the 235/70R16 Tires? 
  • A: The rim size of 16″ x 6-8″(LT Tires 6-7.5″) is perfect for the 235/70r16 tires.
  • Q: The rim size of 16″ x 6-8″(LT Tires 6-7.5″) is perfect for the 235/70r16 tires.
  • A: The overall diameter of the 235/70r16 tires is 29 inches or 736 mm. This is both the outer diameter and the actual height of the tire.
  • Q: What Is the Actual Circumference of the 235/70R16 Tires?
  • A: The actual overall diameter of the 235/70r16 tires is 29 inches which stands for 736 if converted into millimeters. This measurement actually represents the outer diameter of the tire or in short the height of the tire.
  • Q: How Can I Measure the Width of the Tire? 
  • A: To measure the width of the tire, you have to inflate the tire first. Then you have to mount it on the rim that has been assigned by the manufacturers. After that, you can take steps to measure the width of the tire. Do remember one thing that, while doing all these, there should not be any load placed on the wheels. 

Consider When Choosing 235 65r16 & 235 70r16 Tire size

When choosing between 235 65r16 and 235 70r16 tire sizes, there are several factors that you should consider before making a decision. Here is cover the most important aspects to consider:

Vehicle compatibility

Ensuring that the tire size you choose is compatible with your vehicle is crucial. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to see what tire sizes are recommended or allowed. Additionally, there may be restrictions on tire sizes imposed by the manufacturer.

Vehicle performance

The tire size you choose can impact your vehicle’s performance in areas such as acceleration, braking, and handling. Consider whether the tire size you’re considering affects the overall driving experience and safety of your vehicle.

Climate and terrain

The climate and terrain where you’ll be driving can also influence your choice of tire size. For example, if you live in an area that gets a lot of snow or ice, you may want to choose a tire size that provides better traction in those conditions.

Load capacity

Make sure that the tire size you choose can support the weight of your vehicle, passengers, and cargo. Check the load capacity of both tire sizes and evaluate whether they provide enough capacity for your intended use.

Fuel efficiency

The tire size you choose can impact your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Consider whether the tire size you’re considering provides better or worse fuel efficiency compared to the other size.

Personal preferences

Finally, don’t forget to consider your own personal preferences and needs. Do you have a particular style of tire you prefer? Are there any features that are important to you, such as noise level or tread life? Make sure the tire size you choose aligns with your personal preferences and needs.

Also Read: 215 60R16 vs 215 65R16 Tire – Updated Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Vehicle owners and drivers have many questions hovering in their minds regarding which tire type they should use for their precious vehicles. Some of the frequently asked by many are discussed below so that you may decide better.

What Does Tire Size 235 65R16 Mean?

The number 235 represents the cross-section width and it is in millimeters. The number 65 is the ratio of the sidewall height to the width of the cross-section (65 percent).

The letter R means radial-ply tire construction type and the number 16 is the rim diameter which is shown in inches.

How Tall Is A 235 70R16 Tire?

If you look at the overall diameter of a tire, you will know very easily how much tall or big the tire actually is.

The 235 70r16 tires have an overall diameter of almost 29 inches or 736 mm. This tire size represents the outer diameter of the tire or to put it simply, the real height of the tire.

If I Put The Wrong Size Tires, Will It Damage My Vehicle?

Yes, It will, unfortunately. If you install a certain type of tire without deep research and careful observation, it will definitely make you regret it.

Using the wrong tires in your vehicle will cause great damage to your vehicle. Not only that your driving safety will also get hampered as well.

Is It A Good Idea To Replace 235 65R16 Tires With 235 70R16?

Not at all, actually. You see if you replace the 235 65r16 tires with the 235 70r16 ones, it will certainly increase the height of your vehicle, no doubt.

But there is a risk that the tire will rub against the metal whenever you will hit a bump on the road. So, it is always wise to use the recommended tires only.

Is It Bad To Change The Tire Size? 

Installing larger tires or wheels is called plus-sizing. It has the ability to affect your vehicle’s handling, steering response, speedometer and odometer readings, and many more.

So, if you install the wrong size tires then it will damage your vehicle pretty badly. 

Final Thoughts

Both 235 65r16 and 235 70r16 tires are very competitive tires and both of them have a very good reputation in the marketplace. Performance wise there is not much of a difference between them and both the tires are performing really well. 

So, it’s up to you really to choose the best one that would go well with your vehicle and also serve your purpose well. Don’t make any wrong choices that can make you pay big time afterward. So, choose wisely and carefully before buying any tire.

I am an engineer and the chief editor of tireslover.com, I am a passionate blogger as well. I am the person who can ensure a perfect, informative, honest, and helpful, guide with 10 years of work experience with different varieties of tires.

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