CarSpecsHQ

255/75R17 vs 305/65R17

305/65R17 is a safe swap for 255/75R17 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +1.72%.

17" rim
255/75R17 32.06" · 305/65R17 32.61" · drawn to scale

Side by side

255/75R17305/65R17Difference
Overall diameter32.06"32.61"+0.55" (+1.72%)
Section width255 mm305 mm+50 mm
Sidewall7.53"7.81"+0.28"
Rim17"17"same
Circumference100.7"102.4"+1.7"
Revs per mile629618-11
Ride height——+0.28"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.061.0+1.0 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 61.0 mph

With 305/65R17 on a car calibrated for 255/75R17, the speedometer reads 59.0 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 1.7%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph30.5 mph
45 mph45.8 mph
60 mph61.0 mph
70 mph71.2 mph
80 mph81.4 mph

Other sizes close to 255/75R17

Questions

Can I replace 255/75R17 with 305/65R17?

305/65R17 is a safe swap for 255/75R17 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +1.72%.

What's the difference between 255/75R17 and 305/65R17?

305/65R17 is 0.55" taller and 50 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.28". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 61.0 mph.

Will 305/65R17 fit on 255/75R17 wheels?

Both use a 17" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 305 mm tire and the fender clearance.