265/70R16 vs 245/70R16
245/70R16 has an overall diameter of 749.4 mm (29.50") compared with 777.4 mm (30.61") for 265/70R16, a difference of -28.0 mm (-3.60 %). The sidewall changes by -14.0 mm, section width by -20 mm and ride height by -14.0 mm. Using the ETRTO rolling circumference, 265/70R16 turns 422 times per kilometre and 245/70R16 turns 438 times. With 245/70R16 fitted to a car calibrated for 265/70R16, an indicated 100 km/h is a true 96.4 km/h, and the odometer records 103.7 km for every 100 km driven. This exceeds the commonly quoted 3 % tolerance; check clearances, ABS/ESC calibration and local roadworthy rules (VSB 14 in Australia).
Full comparison
| Measurement | 265/70R16 | 245/70R16 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section width | 265 mm | 245 mm | -20 mm |
| Sidewall height | 185.5 mm | 171.5 mm | -14.0 mm |
| Rim diameter | 16" | 16" | 0.0" |
| Overall diameter | 777.4 mm (30.61") | 749.4 mm (29.50") | -28.0 mm (-3.60 %) |
| Static circumference | 2442 mm | 2354 mm | -88 mm |
| Rolling circumference (ETRTO) | 2371 mm | 2286 mm | -85 mm |
| Revs per km | 422 | 438 | +16 |
| Ride height | -14.0 mm | ||
| Inch equivalent | 30.6×10.4R16 | 29.5×9.6R16 | |
| Approved rim widths (approx.) | 7.5″–9″ | 6.5″–8″ |
Speedometer error
| Speedo reads | 40 | 50 | 60 | 80 | 100 | 110 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual speed (km/h) | 38.6 | 48.2 | 57.8 | 77.1 | 96.4 | 106.0 |
| Error (km/h) | -1.4 | -1.8 | -2.2 | -2.9 | -3.6 | -4.0 |
Assumes the speedo was accurate on 265/70R16. Odometer records 103.7 km for every 100 km actually driven.
- The 245/70R16 is 28 mm (3.6 %) smaller in diameter, so your speedo will read high and your odometer will over-record distance.
- Section width changes by -20 mm. Check guard, strut and inner-arch clearance and that the rim width is within the approved range for the new tyre.
- A diameter change over 3 % is outside the usual rule of thumb; check local roadworthy rules (in Australia see VSB 14 / NCOP Section LS) and ABS/ESC calibration.
Is 245/70R16 legal in Australia? Needs certification
| Overall diameter (VSB 14 LS 4.2.4) 245/70R16 is 28.0 mm smaller than 265/70R16; the limit without certification is -26 mm. | Cert. |
| Speedometer (ADR 18/03) A smaller tyre makes the speedo read high: at an indicated 100 km/h you would be doing 96.4 km/h (over-read 3.6 km/h; ADR 18 allows up to 13.6 km/h at that speed). | OK |
| Load index (tyre placard / ADR 42) Enter the placard load index and the replacement tyre load index to check. | ? |
| Speed rating (tyre placard / ADR 42) Enter the placard speed rating and the replacement tyre speed rating to check. | ? |
Frequently asked
Can I fit 245/70R16 instead of 265/70R16?
Overall diameter changes by -28.0 mm (-3.60 %). That is outside the 3 % rule of thumb, so it may rub, upset ABS/ESC calibration and may not be legal without certification. In Australia VSB 14 allows up to +15 mm for passenger cars and +50 mm for 4WDs/goods vehicles without certification.
How much will my speedo be out with 245/70R16?
Your speedo will read high by about 3.60 %. At an indicated 100 km/h you would actually be travelling 96.4 km/h, and at 110 km/h about 106 km/h.
What is the rolling circumference of 245/70R16?
Static circumference is 2354 mm; the ETRTO rolling circumference under load is about 2286 mm, which is 438 revolutions per kilometre.
245/70R16 in inches
245/70R16 is approximately 29.5×9.6R16: 29.5" tall, 9.6" wide, on a 16" rim, with a 6.8" sidewall.
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