285/75R16 vs 265/70R16
265/70R16 has an overall diameter of 777.4 mm (30.61") compared with 833.9 mm (32.83") for 285/75R16, a difference of -56.5 mm (-6.78 %). The sidewall changes by -28.2 mm, section width by -20 mm and ride height by -28.2 mm. Using the ETRTO rolling circumference, 285/75R16 turns 393 times per kilometre and 265/70R16 turns 422 times. With 265/70R16 fitted to a car calibrated for 285/75R16, an indicated 100 km/h is a true 93.2 km/h, and the odometer records 107.3 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 | 285/75R16 | 265/70R16 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section width | 285 mm | 265 mm | -20 mm |
| Sidewall height | 213.8 mm | 185.5 mm | -28.2 mm |
| Rim diameter | 16" | 16" | 0.0" |
| Overall diameter | 833.9 mm (32.83") | 777.4 mm (30.61") | -56.5 mm (-6.78 %) |
| Static circumference | 2620 mm | 2442 mm | -177 mm |
| Rolling circumference (ETRTO) | 2543 mm | 2371 mm | -172 mm |
| Revs per km | 393 | 422 | +29 |
| Ride height | -28.2 mm | ||
| Inch equivalent | 32.8×11.2R16 | 30.6×10.4R16 | |
| Approved rim widths (approx.) | 7.5″–9″ | 7.5″–9″ |
Speedometer error
| Speedo reads | 40 | 50 | 60 | 80 | 100 | 110 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual speed (km/h) | 37.3 | 46.6 | 55.9 | 74.6 | 93.2 | 102.5 |
| Error (km/h) | -2.7 | -3.4 | -4.1 | -5.4 | -6.8 | -7.5 |
Assumes the speedo was accurate on 285/75R16. Odometer records 107.3 km for every 100 km actually driven.
- The 265/70R16 is 56.5 mm (6.78 %) 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 265/70R16 legal in Australia? Needs certification
| Overall diameter (VSB 14 LS 4.2.4) 265/70R16 is 56.5 mm smaller than 285/75R16; 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 93.2 km/h (over-read 6.8 km/h; ADR 18 allows up to 13.3 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 265/70R16 instead of 285/75R16?
Overall diameter changes by -56.5 mm (-6.78 %). 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 265/70R16?
Your speedo will read high by about 6.78 %. At an indicated 100 km/h you would actually be travelling 93.2 km/h, and at 110 km/h about 102.5 km/h.
What is the rolling circumference of 265/70R16?
Static circumference is 2442 mm; the ETRTO rolling circumference under load is about 2371 mm, which is 422 revolutions per kilometre.
265/70R16 in inches
265/70R16 is approximately 30.6×10.4R16: 30.6" tall, 10.4" wide, on a 16" rim, with a 7.3" sidewall.
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