CarSpecsHQ

255/80R17 vs 295/70R17

295/70R17 is a safe swap for 255/80R17 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +0.60%.

17" rim
255/80R17 33.06" · 295/70R17 33.26" · drawn to scale

Side by side

255/80R17295/70R17Difference
Overall diameter33.06"33.26"+0.20" (+0.60%)
Section width255 mm295 mm+40 mm
Sidewall8.03"8.13"+0.10"
Rim17"17"same
Circumference103.9"104.5"+0.6"
Revs per mile610606-4
Ride height——+0.10"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.060.4+0.4 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 60.4 mph

With 295/70R17 on a car calibrated for 255/80R17, the speedometer reads 59.6 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 0.6%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph30.2 mph
45 mph45.3 mph
60 mph60.4 mph
70 mph70.4 mph
80 mph80.5 mph

Other sizes close to 255/80R17

Questions

Can I replace 255/80R17 with 295/70R17?

295/70R17 is a safe swap for 255/80R17 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +0.60%.

What's the difference between 255/80R17 and 295/70R17?

295/70R17 is 0.20" taller and 40 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.10". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 60.4 mph.

Will 295/70R17 fit on 255/80R17 wheels?

Both use a 17" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 295 mm tire and the fender clearance.