CarSpecsHQ

255/80R17 vs 315/70R17

315/70R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/80R17: the diameter differs by +3.93%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

17" rim
255/80R17 33.06" · 315/70R17 34.36" · drawn to scale

Side by side

255/80R17315/70R17Difference
Overall diameter33.06"34.36"+1.30" (+3.93%)
Section width255 mm315 mm+60 mm
Sidewall8.03"8.68"+0.65"
Rim17"17"same
Circumference103.9"108.0"+4.1"
Revs per mile610587-23
Ride height——+0.65"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.4+2.4 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.4 mph

With 315/70R17 on a car calibrated for 255/80R17, the speedometer reads 57.7 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.9%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.2 mph
45 mph46.8 mph
60 mph62.4 mph
70 mph72.8 mph
80 mph83.1 mph

Other sizes close to 255/80R17

Questions

Can I replace 255/80R17 with 315/70R17?

315/70R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/80R17: the diameter differs by +3.93%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 255/80R17 and 315/70R17?

315/70R17 is 1.30" taller and 60 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.65". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.4 mph.

Will 315/70R17 fit on 255/80R17 wheels?

Both use a 17" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 315 mm tire and the fender clearance.