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Tire Size Comparison

245/70R16 vs 255/65R17

Switching from 245/70R16 to 255/65R17 changes overall diameter by +1.85% (29.50 in → 30.05 in).

+1.85%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor

Speedometer error

With a speedometer calibrated to 245/70R16, fitting 255/65R17 makes it read as follows:

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h40.7 km/h25 mph25 mph
60 km/h61.1 km/h37 mph38 mph
80 km/h81.5 km/h50 mph51 mph
100 km/h101.9 km/h62 mph63 mph
120 km/h122.2 km/h75 mph76 mph

Full comparison

245/70R16
Overall diameter749.4 mm · 29.50 in
Section width245 mm · 9.65 in
Sidewall height171.5 mm · 6.75 in
Circumference2354.3 mm · 92.7 in
Revolutions per mile684
Revolutions per km425
255/65R17
Overall diameter763.3 mm · 30.05 in
Section width255 mm · 10.04 in
Sidewall height165.8 mm · 6.53 in
Circumference2398.0 mm · 94.4 in
Revolutions per mile671
Revolutions per km417
Original tire
New tire
+1.85%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor
29.530.1
Original
Overall diameter749.4 mm · 29.5 in
Sidewall height171.5 mm
Circumference2,354.3 mm
Revolutions / mile683.6
New
Overall diameter763.3 mm · 30.05 in
Sidewall height165.8 mm
Circumference2,398 mm
Revolutions / mile671.1
Speedometer & odometer error

The new tire changes overall diameter by +1.85%. With a speedometer calibrated to the original tire, that same percentage is how far the speedometer and odometer read off — a taller tire means your true speed is higher than indicated and the odometer under-counts distance.

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h40.7 km/h25 mph25 mph
60 km/h61.1 km/h37 mph38 mph
80 km/h81.5 km/h50 mph51 mph
100 km/h101.9 km/h62 mph63 mph
120 km/h122.2 km/h75 mph76 mph

See individual specs: 245/70R16 · 255/65R17. A change this size can affect ABS/speed calibration — see wheel-speed codes if a light appears.