245 65r17 vs 265 70r17 Tire Size: Spot the Comparison

Are you making plans to purchase brand-new tires for your vehicle but don’t know which one to choose between the 245 65r17 and 265 70r17 tires? If this is what you are thinking then we have designed this article just to serve this purpose.

The article “245 65R17 vs 265 70R17 Tire Size” gives you detailed knowledge of the differences and positive aspects of these two special tires. So, if you are someone who wants to know all about these two tires then go ahead and read the article fully. 

245 65R17 Vs 265 70R17 Tire Size: Table of Visible Comparison

245 65r17 vs 265 70r17 Tire Size

This table of differences contains valuable information that will definitely help you decide which tire will suit your purpose better. Here is the table: –

Features245 65R17 Tire265 70R17 Tire
Sidewall Height6.27 inches7.30 inches
Section Width9.65 inches10.43 inches
Overall Diameter29.54 inches31.61 inches
Radius14.77 inches15.80 inches
Circumference92.80 inches99.29 inches
Revs Per Mile661638
Rim Diameter17 inches17 inches
Tread Depth13/32 inches15/32 inches
Typical Weight34 lbs46 lbs
Tire TypeA-Radial Ply TireA-Radial Ply Tire

245 65R17 Vs 265 70R17 Tire Size: Discussion on Differences 

Let us now discuss all the visible differences in detail so that you can learn and master everything. Here is the discussion: –

Sidewall Height

  • Sidewall Height is the measurement from the rim to the tread of a tire.
  • Taller sidewalls offer a smoother ride and better protection from impacts.
  • Shorter sidewalls provide sportier handling and appearance.

The sidewall height for the 245 65r17 tires is 6.27 inches. Whereas, the sidewall height for the 265 70r17 tires is 7.30 inches. The difference between the two tires in terms of percentage is 16.5%. 

Section Width

  • Section width is the measurement of a tire’s width from sidewall to sidewall.  
  • It determines the tire’s contact patch with the road surface.
  • Larger section width provides better stability and handling.

The section width for the 245 65r17 tires is 9.65 inches. On the other hand, the section width for the 265 70r17 tires is 10.43 inches. The difference between the two tires in this regard is 0.78 inches. Percentage-wise the difference stands at 8.2%.

Overall Diameter 

  • Overall diameter is the measurement of a tire’s complete height.
  • Larger diameter provides better ground clearance and aggressive appearance.
  • Smaller diameter offers improved acceleration and handling.  

The overall diameter for the 245 65r17 tires is 29.54 inches. On the contrary, the overall diameter for the 265 70r17 tires is 31.61 inches. The difference between the two tires in this respect is 2.07 inches. Percentage-wise, the difference stands at 7%.

Radius

  • Radius is half the overall diameter of a tire.  
  • The radius must match the wheel size and the vehicle specifications.
  • It is important to maintain a proper gear ratio.

The radius for the 245 65r17 tires is 14.77 inches. On the contrary, the radius for the 265 70r17 tires is 15.80 inches. The difference between the two tires in terms of the radius is 1.03 inches.

Circumference

  • Circumference is the distance around the outermost point of a tire.
  • Larger circumference provides a smoother ride and improved stability.
  • Smaller circumference offers improved acceleration and handling.

The circumference for the 245 65r17 tires is 92.80 inches. Whereas, the circumference for the 265 70r17 tires is 99.29 inches. The difference between the two tires in this respect is 6.49 inches. Percentage-wise the difference stands at 7%.

Revs Per Mile 

  • Revs per mile (RPM) is the number of tire revolutions per mile. 
  • Higher RPM offers improved acceleration and handling.
  • Lower RPM provides improved fuel efficiency and a smoother ride. 

The RPM for the 245 65r17 tires is 661. On the other hand, the RPM for the 265 70r17 tires is 638. The difference between the two tires in this respect is 23. The difference between the two tires in terms of percentage is 6.5%.

Rim Diameter

  • Rim diameter is the measurement of the inside of a tire’s mounting surface.
  • Larger rim diameter provides a bolder appearance and improved handling. 
  • Smaller rim diameter offers improved fuel efficiency and a smoother ride. 

Both the tires 245 65r17 and 265 70r17 have the same rim diameter of 17 inches. It is important to ensure that the rim diameter matches the tire size and the vehicle specifications, as using an incorrect rim diameter can lead to poor fit, reduced performance, and even safety issues.  

Tread Depth

  • Tread depth is the measurement of the grooves in a tire’s surface
  • It influences the tire’s grip, handling, and braking performance on the road.
  • Deeper tread depth provides better traction in wet conditions.

The tread depth for the 245 65r17 tires is 13/32 inches. On the contrary, the tread depth  for the 265 70r17 tires is 15/32 inches. The difference between the two tires in this regard is 2/0 inches.

Tire Weight 

  • Tire weight indicator is a feature that displays the weight of a tire.
  • It helps to determine if a tire is under or over-inflated.
  • Properly inflated tires improve fuel efficiency, handling, and safety.

The tire weight for the 245 65r17 tires is 34 lbs. On the other hand, the tire weight for the 265 70r17 tires is 46 lbs. The difference between the two tires in this respect is 12 lbs. The 265 70r17 tires are slightly weightier than the 245 65r17 tires.

Tire Type 

  • Tire type refers to the design and construction of a tire. 
  • It influences the tire’s performance, handling, and safety in various conditions.
  • Proper tire type selection is important for improved performance and safety.

Among all other tire types that are available in the market, the radial tire type is the most common and also the most popular tire type. It is so popular that almost 90% of tire manufacturers use this tire construction type. We are really happy to announce that both 245 65r17 and 265 70r17 tires have radial tire construction.   

245 65R17 Vs 265 70R17 Tires: 2nd Table of Visible Differences

We have made a second table that contains some other valuable information on these two special types of tires. He is the table: – 

Features245 65R17 Tire265 70R17 TireDifferences
Rim Width Range7-8.5 inches7-8.5 inchesNone
Max Speed118 mph112 mph6 mph
Max Load2039 lbs1433 lbs606 lbs
Max PSI44506
Aspect Ratio65705
Actual Speed62.14 mph58.07 mph4.07 mph
Sidewall LettersBlackBlack/ whiteNone
Speedometer Reading100 km/h93.46 km/h6.54 km/h
Speedometer Reading StatusCorrectSlightly differentNone

Let us now discuss these additional differences as well so that it would help you know the differences well. Knowing these differences will certainly help you in choosing the best set of tires for your vehicle. Here goes the discussion: –

Rim Width Range

  • Rim width range refers to the minimum and maximum width of the wheel rim.
  • It is important to ensure a proper fit between the tire and the wheel.
  • It helps to maintain the tire’s performance and stability.

The rim width range for the 245 65r17 tires is 7-8.5 inches. On the contrary, the rim width range for the 265 70r17 tires is 7-8.5 inches. The difference between the two tires in this regard is none.

Max Speed 

  • Max speed refers to the highest speed a tire can safely maintain for a long time.
  • It is specified by the tire manufacturer and can be found on the tire’s sidewall. 
  • Driving a vehicle above the tire’s max speed can result in tire failure.

The max speed for the 245 65r17 tires is 118 mph. On the other hand, the max speed for the 265 70r17 tires is 112 mph. The difference between the two tires in this regard is 6 mph.

Max Load

  • Max load is the highest weight that a tire can carry safely.
  • The max load is specified by the tire manufacturer.
  • Overloading a tire can result in tire failure and loss of control

The max load carrying capacity for the 245 65r17 tires is 2039 lbs. On the contrary, the max load carrying capacity for the 265 70r17 tires is 1433 lbs. The difference between the two tires in this regard is 606 lbs.

Max PSI 

  • Max PSI refers to the maximum pressure a tire can safely handle. 
  • Overinflating a tire can result in decreased handling and stability.
  • Underinflating a tire can result in decreased fuel efficiency and wear on the tire. 

The max psi for the 245 65r17 tires is 44. On the contrary, the max psi for the 265 70r17 tires is 50. The difference between the two tires in this respect is only 6. The 265 70r17 tires have a slightly higher psi than the 245 65r17 tires.

Aspect Ratio 

  • It refers to the height of a tire’s sidewall as a percentage of its section width.
  • A tire’s aspect ratio influences its handling, comfort, and appearance.
  • It is wise to choose an aspect ratio that is appropriate for the vehicle.

The aspect ratio for the 245 65r17 tires is 65. Whereas, the aspect ratio for the 265 70r17 tires is 70. The 265 70r17 tires have a higher aspect ratio than the 245 65r17 tires. 

Actual Speed 

  • Gives vital information regarding the actual speed of a given tire. 
  • Helps you know which tire is faster and which is not.
  • It is given in mph or km/h

The actual speed for the 265 70r17 tires is 62.14 mph. On the other hand, the actual speed for the 245 65r17 tires is 58.07 mph. The difference between the two tires in this regard is 4.07 mph. The 265 70r17 tires have a slightly higher actual speed than the 245 65r17 tires.

This Is What We Think

The 245/65R17 tire has a section width of 245 millimeters and an aspect ratio of 65, meaning that its sidewall height is 65% of its section width. This tire size offers a balance between handling and comfort, with a relatively low profile that provides a sporty appearance. It is well-suited for light-duty off-roading and city driving.

On the other hand, the 265/70R17 tire has a wider section width of 265 millimeters and a taller aspect ratio of 70, meaning that its sidewall height is 70% of its section width. This tire size offers a smoother ride and a more traditional appearance, making it ideal for long-distance highway driving and light-duty off-roading.

Also Read: 215 65r17 vs 225 65r17 Tire Size – Visible Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Vehicle users and owners around the world ask many important questions regarding the various tire types available in the market, especially these two. Some of the frequently asked questions are answered below: –

Which Tire Size is Better for Highway Driving 245 65R17 or 265 70R17?

For highway driving, the 245 65R17 tires may offer better handling and stability due to their aspect ratio and sportier ride. However, the 265 70R17 tires may provide a more comfortable ride, especially for long trips, due to their taller profile and softer ride.

Which Tire Size Is Better for Off-Road Use?

The choice of tire size for off-road use depends on the type of off-road conditions and the specific needs of the vehicle. However, in general, tires with a higher aspect ratio and a taller profile may offer better off-road performance due to their increased ground clearance and better traction.

What Is the Difference Between 245 65R17 and 265 70R17 Tire Sizes?

The 245 65R17 tire has a section width of 245 millimeters and an aspect ratio of 65%, while the 265 70R17 tire has a section width of 265 millimeters and an aspect ratio of 70%.

Can I Use Either Tire Size on My Vehicle?

The ability to use either tire size depends on the specifications of your vehicle and the manufacturer’s recommendations. It is important to ensure that the tire size is compatible with your vehicle and its suspension system.

Can I Switch From 245 65R17 to 265 70R17 Tire Size Without Any Issues?

The switch from 245 65R17 to 265 70R17 tire size may affect the vehicle’s speedometer readings, the fit of the tire within the wheel well, and the overall performance of the vehicle.

Also Read: 245 70r17 vs 265 70r17 Tire Size An Essential Guide

Final Words

In the article “245 65r17 vs 265 70r17 Tire Size” we have tried to cover all the major differences that these two tires have in between them. When making a choice between the 245 65R17 and 265 70R17 tire sizes, it is important to take into consideration the vehicle’s load capacity, as well as the intended driving conditions and personal preferences. 

It is also recommended to choose a tire with a load index and speed rating that is appropriate for the vehicle and its usage. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on the specific needs and requirements of the driver and the vehicle.

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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