275/65R18 vs 285/70R17
285/70R17 has an overall diameter of 830.8 mm (32.71") compared with 814.7 mm (32.07") for 275/65R18, a difference of +16.1 mm (+1.98 %). The sidewall changes by +20.8 mm, section width by +10 mm and ride height by +8.0 mm. Using the ETRTO rolling circumference, 275/65R18 turns 402 times per kilometre and 285/70R17 turns 395 times. With 285/70R17 fitted to a car calibrated for 275/65R18, an indicated 100 km/h is a true 102 km/h, and the odometer records 98.1 km for every 100 km driven. This is within the commonly quoted 3 % tolerance.
Full comparison
| Measurement | 275/65R18 | 285/70R17 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section width | 275 mm | 285 mm | +10 mm |
| Sidewall height | 178.8 mm | 199.5 mm | +20.8 mm |
| Rim diameter | 18" | 17" | -1.0" |
| Overall diameter | 814.7 mm (32.07") | 830.8 mm (32.71") | +16.1 mm (+1.98 %) |
| Static circumference | 2559 mm | 2610 mm | +51 mm |
| Rolling circumference (ETRTO) | 2485 mm | 2534 mm | +49 mm |
| Revs per km | 402 | 395 | -8 |
| Ride height | +8.0 mm | ||
| Inch equivalent | 32.1×10.8R18 | 32.7×11.2R17 | |
| Approved rim widths (approx.) | 7.5″–9″ | 8″–9.5″ |
Speedometer error
| Speedo reads | 40 | 50 | 60 | 80 | 100 | 110 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual speed (km/h) | 40.8 | 51.0 | 61.2 | 81.6 | 102.0 | 112.2 |
| Error (km/h) | +0.8 | +1.0 | +1.2 | +1.6 | +2.0 | +2.2 |
Assumes the speedo was accurate on 275/65R18. Odometer records 98.1 km for every 100 km actually driven.
- The 285/70R17 is 16.1 mm (1.98 %) 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 18" to 17", so new wheels are required.
Is 285/70R17 legal in Australia? Needs certification
| Overall diameter (VSB 14 LS 4.2.4) 285/70R17 is 16.1 mm larger than 275/65R18; 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 102.0 km/h. ADR 18 requires the speedo never to read below true speed, but factory speedos typically over-read by 2-6 %, so a 2.0 % 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 285/70R17 instead of 275/65R18?
Overall diameter changes by +16.1 mm (+1.98 %). 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 285/70R17?
Your speedo will read low by about 1.98 %. At an indicated 100 km/h you would actually be travelling 102 km/h, and at 110 km/h about 112.2 km/h.
What is the rolling circumference of 285/70R17?
Static circumference is 2610 mm; the ETRTO rolling circumference under load is about 2534 mm, which is 395 revolutions per kilometre.
285/70R17 in inches
285/70R17 is approximately 32.7×11.2R17: 32.7" tall, 11.2" wide, on a 17" rim, with a 7.9" sidewall.
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