CarSpecsHQ

255/60R17 vs 265/65R17

265/65R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/60R17: the diameter differs by +5.22%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

17" rim
255/60R17 29.05" · 265/65R17 30.56" · drawn to scale

Side by side

255/60R17265/65R17Difference
Overall diameter29.05"30.56"+1.52" (+5.22%)
Section width255 mm265 mm+10 mm
Sidewall6.02"6.78"+0.76"
Rim17"17"same
Circumference91.3"96.0"+4.8"
Revs per mile694660-34
Ride height——+0.76"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.063.1+3.1 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 63.1 mph

With 265/65R17 on a car calibrated for 255/60R17, the speedometer reads 57.0 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 5.2%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.6 mph
45 mph47.3 mph
60 mph63.1 mph
70 mph73.7 mph
80 mph84.2 mph

Other sizes close to 255/60R17

Questions

Can I replace 255/60R17 with 265/65R17?

265/65R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/60R17: the diameter differs by +5.22%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 255/60R17 and 265/65R17?

265/65R17 is 1.52" taller and 10 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.76". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 63.1 mph.

Will 265/65R17 fit on 255/60R17 wheels?

Both use a 17" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 265 mm tire and the fender clearance.