CarSpecsHQ

265/70R17 vs 305/65R17

305/65R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 265/70R17: the diameter differs by +3.18%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

17" rim
265/70R17 31.61" · 305/65R17 32.61" · drawn to scale

Side by side

265/70R17305/65R17Difference
Overall diameter31.61"32.61"+1.00" (+3.18%)
Section width265 mm305 mm+40 mm
Sidewall7.30"7.81"+0.50"
Rim17"17"same
Circumference99.3"102.4"+3.2"
Revs per mile638618-20
Ride height——+0.50"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.061.9+1.9 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 61.9 mph

With 305/65R17 on a car calibrated for 265/70R17, the speedometer reads 58.2 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.2%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.0 mph
45 mph46.4 mph
60 mph61.9 mph
70 mph72.2 mph
80 mph82.5 mph

Other sizes close to 265/70R17

Questions

Can I replace 265/70R17 with 305/65R17?

305/65R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 265/70R17: the diameter differs by +3.18%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 265/70R17 and 305/65R17?

305/65R17 is 1.00" taller and 40 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.50". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 61.9 mph.

Will 305/65R17 fit on 265/70R17 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.