CarSpecsHQ

275/55R17 vs 255/60R17

255/60R17 is a safe swap for 275/55R17 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +0.48%.

17" rim
275/55R17 28.91" · 255/60R17 29.05" · drawn to scale

Side by side

275/55R17255/60R17Difference
Overall diameter28.91"29.05"+0.14" (+0.48%)
Section width275 mm255 mm-20 mm
Sidewall5.95"6.02"+0.07"
Rim17"17"same
Circumference90.8"91.3"+0.4"
Revs per mile698694-3
Ride height——+0.07"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.060.3+0.3 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 60.3 mph

With 255/60R17 on a car calibrated for 275/55R17, the speedometer reads 59.7 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 0.5%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph30.1 mph
45 mph45.2 mph
60 mph60.3 mph
70 mph70.3 mph
80 mph80.4 mph

Other sizes close to 275/55R17

Questions

Can I replace 275/55R17 with 255/60R17?

255/60R17 is a safe swap for 275/55R17 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +0.48%.

What's the difference between 275/55R17 and 255/60R17?

255/60R17 is 0.14" taller and 20 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.07". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 60.3 mph.

Will 255/60R17 fit on 275/55R17 wheels?

Both use a 17" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 255 mm tire and the fender clearance.