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Tire Size Comparison

265/70R16 vs 265/65R17

Switching from 265/70R16 to 265/65R17 changes overall diameter by -0.14% (30.61 in → 30.56 in).

-0.14%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor

Speedometer error

With a speedometer calibrated to 265/70R16, fitting 265/65R17 makes it read as follows:

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h39.9 km/h25 mph25 mph
60 km/h59.9 km/h37 mph37 mph
80 km/h79.9 km/h50 mph50 mph
100 km/h99.9 km/h62 mph62 mph
120 km/h119.8 km/h75 mph74 mph

Full comparison

265/70R16
Overall diameter777.4 mm · 30.61 in
Section width265 mm · 10.43 in
Sidewall height185.5 mm · 7.30 in
Circumference2442.3 mm · 96.2 in
Revolutions per mile659
Revolutions per km409
265/65R17
Overall diameter776.3 mm · 30.56 in
Section width265 mm · 10.43 in
Sidewall height172.3 mm · 6.78 in
Circumference2438.8 mm · 96.0 in
Revolutions per mile660
Revolutions per km410
Original tire
New tire
-0.14%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor
30.630.6
Original
Overall diameter777.4 mm · 30.61 in
Sidewall height185.5 mm
Circumference2,442.3 mm
Revolutions / mile659
New
Overall diameter776.3 mm · 30.56 in
Sidewall height172.3 mm
Circumference2,438.8 mm
Revolutions / mile659.9
Speedometer & odometer error

The new tire changes overall diameter by -0.14%. 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/h39.9 km/h25 mph25 mph
60 km/h59.9 km/h37 mph37 mph
80 km/h79.9 km/h50 mph50 mph
100 km/h99.9 km/h62 mph62 mph
120 km/h119.8 km/h75 mph74 mph

See individual specs: 265/70R16 · 265/65R17. A change this size can affect ABS/speed calibration — see wheel-speed codes if a light appears.