275/55R19 vs 265/70R17
265/70R17 has an overall diameter of 802.8 mm (31.61") compared with 785.1 mm (30.91") for 275/55R19, a difference of +17.7 mm (+2.25 %). The sidewall changes by +34.3 mm, section width by -10 mm and ride height by +8.9 mm. Using the ETRTO rolling circumference, 275/55R19 turns 418 times per kilometre and 265/70R17 turns 408 times. With 265/70R17 fitted to a car calibrated for 275/55R19, an indicated 100 km/h is a true 102.3 km/h, and the odometer records 97.8 km for every 100 km driven. This is close to the commonly quoted 3 % tolerance, so check clearance and local rules.
Full comparison
| Measurement | 275/55R19 | 265/70R17 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section width | 275 mm | 265 mm | -10 mm |
| Sidewall height | 151.3 mm | 185.5 mm | +34.3 mm |
| Rim diameter | 19" | 17" | -2.0" |
| Overall diameter | 785.1 mm (30.91") | 802.8 mm (31.61") | +17.7 mm (+2.25 %) |
| Static circumference | 2466 mm | 2522 mm | +56 mm |
| Rolling circumference (ETRTO) | 2395 mm | 2449 mm | +54 mm |
| Revs per km | 418 | 408 | -9 |
| Ride height | +8.9 mm | ||
| Inch equivalent | 30.9×10.8R19 | 31.6×10.4R17 | |
| Approved rim widths (approx.) | 7.5″–9.5″ | 7.5″–9″ |
Speedometer error
| Speedo reads | 40 | 50 | 60 | 80 | 100 | 110 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual speed (km/h) | 40.9 | 51.1 | 61.4 | 81.8 | 102.3 | 112.5 |
| Error (km/h) | +0.9 | +1.1 | +1.4 | +1.8 | +2.3 | +2.5 |
Assumes the speedo was accurate on 275/55R19. Odometer records 97.8 km for every 100 km actually driven.
- The 265/70R17 is 17.7 mm (2.25 %) larger in diameter, so your speedo will read low and your odometer will under-record distance.
- Section width changes by -10 mm. Check guard, strut and inner-arch clearance and that the rim width is within the approved range for the new tyre.
- Rim diameter changes from 19" to 17", so new wheels are required.
Is 265/70R17 legal in Australia? Needs certification
| Overall diameter (VSB 14 LS 4.2.4) 265/70R17 is 17.7 mm larger than 275/55R19; the limit without certification for a passenger car (MA/MB) is +15 mm. Larger increases need an approved signatory / engineering certificate (modification code LS or state equivalent) and may not be permitted at all. | Cert. |
| Speedometer (ADR 18/03) A larger tyre makes the speedo read lower: at an indicated 100 km/h you would be doing 102.3 km/h. ADR 18 requires the speedo never to read below true speed, but factory speedos typically over-read by 2-6 %, so a 2.3 % 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 265/70R17 instead of 275/55R19?
Overall diameter changes by +17.7 mm (+2.25 %). That is close to the 3 % rule of thumb; it may fit, but check guard, strut and brake clearance and your local rules. 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 265/70R17?
Your speedo will read low by about 2.25 %. At an indicated 100 km/h you would actually be travelling 102.3 km/h, and at 110 km/h about 112.5 km/h.
What is the rolling circumference of 265/70R17?
Static circumference is 2522 mm; the ETRTO rolling circumference under load is about 2449 mm, which is 408 revolutions per kilometre.
265/70R17 in inches
265/70R17 is approximately 31.6×10.4R17: 31.6" tall, 10.4" wide, on a 17" rim, with a 7.3" 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.