265/70R17 vs 265/75R16
265/75R16 has an overall diameter of 803.9 mm (31.65") compared with 802.8 mm (31.61") for 265/70R17, a difference of +1.1 mm (+0.14 %). The sidewall changes by +13.3 mm, section width by 0 mm and ride height by +0.6 mm. Using the ETRTO rolling circumference, 265/70R17 turns 408 times per kilometre and 265/75R16 turns 408 times. With 265/75R16 fitted to a car calibrated for 265/70R17, an indicated 100 km/h is a true 100.1 km/h, and the odometer records 99.9 km for every 100 km driven. This is within the commonly quoted 3 % tolerance.
Full comparison
| Measurement | 265/70R17 | 265/75R16 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section width | 265 mm | 265 mm | 0 mm |
| Sidewall height | 185.5 mm | 198.8 mm | +13.3 mm |
| Rim diameter | 17" | 16" | -1.0" |
| Overall diameter | 802.8 mm (31.61") | 803.9 mm (31.65") | +1.1 mm (+0.14 %) |
| Static circumference | 2522 mm | 2526 mm | +3 mm |
| Rolling circumference (ETRTO) | 2449 mm | 2452 mm | +3 mm |
| Revs per km | 408 | 408 | -1 |
| Ride height | +0.6 mm | ||
| Inch equivalent | 31.6×10.4R17 | 31.6×10.4R16 | |
| Approved rim widths (approx.) | 7.5″–9″ | 7″–8.5″ |
Speedometer error
| Speedo reads | 40 | 50 | 60 | 80 | 100 | 110 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual speed (km/h) | 40.1 | 50.1 | 60.1 | 80.1 | 100.1 | 110.2 |
| Error (km/h) | +0.1 | +0.1 | +0.1 | +0.1 | +0.1 | +0.2 |
Assumes the speedo was accurate on 265/70R17. Odometer records 99.9 km for every 100 km actually driven.
- The 265/75R16 is 1.1 mm (0.14 %) larger in diameter, so your speedo will read low and your odometer will under-record distance.
- Rim diameter changes from 17" to 16", so new wheels are required.
Is 265/75R16 legal in Australia? Within limits, verify speedo
| Overall diameter (VSB 14 LS 4.2.4) Diameter change of +1.1 mm is within the +15 mm / -26 mm allowance for a passenger car (MA/MB) (measured against the largest size the manufacturer designates for the model). | OK |
| Speedometer (ADR 18/03) A larger tyre makes the speedo read lower: at an indicated 100 km/h you would be doing 100.1 km/h. ADR 18 requires the speedo never to read below true speed, but factory speedos typically over-read by 2-6 %, so a 0.1 % increase is usually absorbed. Verify with a GPS speed app after fitting. | Verify |
| 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 265/75R16 instead of 265/70R17?
Overall diameter changes by +1.1 mm (+0.14 %). That is within the usual 3 % rule of thumb, so it is generally an acceptable swap provided the load index and speed rating meet your tyre placard and the tyre suits your rim width. 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 265/75R16?
Your speedo will read low by about 0.14 %. At an indicated 100 km/h you would actually be travelling 100.1 km/h, and at 110 km/h about 110.2 km/h.
What is the rolling circumference of 265/75R16?
Static circumference is 2526 mm; the ETRTO rolling circumference under load is about 2452 mm, which is 408 revolutions per kilometre.
265/75R16 in inches
265/75R16 is approximately 31.6×10.4R16: 31.6" tall, 10.4" wide, on a 16" rim, with a 7.8" sidewall.
Buying tyres for your business?
Onyx Tyres supplies workshops, retailers and fleets across Australia at wholesale prices. Open a trade account to see stock and pricing and order online.