255/75r17 vs 285/70r17 – How To Pick The Right Size?

Many people are interested in replacing their stock 255 75R17 tires with the 285 70R17 tires.

However, they are not sure of the differences that come along with the replacement. 

The differences between these two tires can be easily recognized from the Tire size index – which is mentioned on top of the tires. 

You can confirm the features and characteristics of a tire just by looking at the tire size index. 

This blog will break down the tire size index by comparing 255 75r17 vs 285 70r17 tires. 

We will investigate what is the difference between 255 75R17 and 285 70R17 tires, and help you choose the more suitable and better-performing tire for your vehicle. 

Furthermore, we will discuss what these two tires are equivalent to and answer any questions you may have. 

What Does 255 75R17 Mean?

The numbers on the tire size index may look odd to you. These numbers don’t seem to resemble anything — until they do. 

Each of the numbers and letters on the Tire size index refers to a particular attribute of the tire. 

Let’s break down each of them to understand what they mean. 

First, we have a three digits number 255. This figure confirms the tire’s diameter in millimeters. That means this tire is 255 millimeters (10 inches) tall. 

The next number (75) is called the aspect ratio and it’s expressed in percentages. 

Aspect ratio= (Height/Width) x 100

This number basically reveals the tire sidewall AKA profile measurements. The sidewall is the tire height expressed as a percentage of the width. It is measured from the rim to the top tread. 

Keep this rule in mind: The higher the aspect ratio, the larger the tire would be. 

The following letter (R) on the tire size index confirms what type of tire it is. R stands for Radial construction. Radial tires are considered to be the best in the current industry. 

Here’s what you should know about Radial tires: they have a very robust build quality and are highly durable. These tires give better mileage and grip compared to any other type of tires available in the market. 

The last number on the Tire size index confirms what rim size would fit the tire. In the case of the 255 75r17 tires, a 17 inches rim would fit perfectly with it.

What Does 285 70R17 Mean?

Now that you have learned about the Tire size index, you can understand what 285 70R17 means. 

Put simply, 285 70R17 means that the tire is 285 millimeters tall. The height of the tire is 70% of its width. 

The tire has a robust build quality and it will last for an extended period of time. Lastly, you can be sure that the tire would perfectly fit a 17 inches tire.

Relevant posts: 265 70R17 Vs 285 75R17: How To Chose The Right Tire Size?

285/75r17 vs 285/70r17 – 5 key Differences

From the tire size index of the two tires, we can see that the tire type and rim size are the same for both of them. However, there’s a difference in the tire diameter and aspect ratio. 

Differences in these two features can significantly affect tire performance. 

Let’s look at the top five differences in 255 75r17 vs 285 70r17 tires.

#1- Height 

285 70R17 is taller than the 255 75R17 tires. However, because of its 5% lower aspect ratio, the height differences don’t seem obvious to bare eyes. 

#2- Sidewall

There’s a 0.3 inches difference in the sidewall of these two tires. The higher the sidewall, the more rubber you get to cushion your vehicle against bumps and road irregularities. 

#3- Comfort

The taller 285 tires are more flexible and easy to steer. It will offer better performance and control in muddy, wet snowy, and sand because of its larger footprint. 

On the other hand, the 255 tires are stiffer in comparison. The driving experience will not be as smooth as the wider tire. 

#4- Mileage 

The 255 75R17 tires have 12.5 more RPM compared it its competitor. You may already know that lower revolutions per mile cause the engine to run with lesser efficiency. That means you will be needing to spend more on gas mileage and engine maintenance. 

#5- Pricing

Pricing is always an important factor. You need to keep it in account especially when you are changing all four tires on your vehicle. In regards to the pricing, the 255 75R17 tires are less expensive than the 285 70R17. 

The reason the wider tire is more expensive is that they are made with extra materials and require a higher shipping fee because of their added weight. 

people also ask (FAQs)

Now that you have learned about the differences between 255 75r17 vs 285 70r17 tires, let’s look at some of the questions that might be lingering in your mind. 

Are 285 70 17 tires the same as 33?

Yes, the 285 70R17 tire is the same as a 33” tire. 

What is a 285 75R17 equivalent to?

The 285 75R17 tire is equivalent to a 33.8” X 11.2” tire. 

How tall are 255 75R17 tires? 

The 255 75R17 tires are 32 inches tall. 

How big is a 255 75R17 tire?

The 255 75R17 tires are 32 inches tall and 10 inches wide. 

Final Words

So, which tire seems like a better fit for you?

Some people prefer to have larger tires for better steering and its aesthetic. Some people are more prone to the low profile aesthetic. 

This tire battle between 285 70r17 vs 255 75r17 was created to resolve the confusion of people who are trying to replace their stock tires. 

Hopefully, you have received value from this article. If you think we have missed any points, please let us know in the comment section.