When looking to upgrade tires, it is essential to consider the size and type needed. This can be tricky when deciding between the 245-75R16 vs. 265-70R16 tire. To further explain these differences, this post will outline what you must consider when purchasing. It will also answer whether or not these two sizes are interchangeable.
245-75R16 Vs. 265-70R16 Tire: What’s The Difference?
Looking at the tire size indexes provides all the necessary information about a tire. These numbers indicate four factors: width, aspect ratio, construction type, and rim diameter. Such details are invaluable for choosing tires that meet specific requirements and can ensure maximum performance.
When fragmented, the tire size index 245 75R16 yields four pieces of information.
- 245 stands for – Tire Width in Millimeters
- 75 stands for – The Aspect Ratio of Height/Width
- R stands for – Construction Type
- 16 stands for – Rim Diameter in Inches
Width
The tire size index is an important marker of a tire’s dimensions, with the first portion indicating its width. In this case, the two tires being discussed are 245 75R16 and 265 70R16, meaning their Widths are 245 millimeters and 265 millimeters, respectively. The difference between them is calculated to be 20 millimeters precisely.
Manufacturers use careful measurements to get accurate readings when determining tire width. This ensures that there is no doubt regarding the number indicated on the size index. Taking into account other factors such as aspect ratio can further reduce differences in Width between two tire models – for instance, those being compared here are only separated by 20 millimeters despite their more considerable numerical discrepancy.
Aspect Ratio
The difference between two tires is not always as simple as the width. A tire’s aspect ratio can have an essential role in determining whether or not they are interchangeable. In this case, there is a 20mm gap in width between 245 75R16 and 265 70R16 tires, but their aspect ratios minimize this gap to 1.75 millimeters.
A tire’s aspect ratio determines its height on the sidewall, and it can be calculated by multiplying the first two digits by the width of that particular tire. A 245 75R16 has an aspect ratio of 75, making its height 183.75 millimeters. In contrast, a 265 70R16 has an aspect ratio of 70, resulting in 185.5 millimeters for its size on the sidewall, thus reducing the gap to merely 1.75 millimeters between them despite having a 20 mm difference in their widths.
This example shows us how vital it is to consider all aspects before attempting to interchange tires since even minute differences may adversely affect your riding experience and speedometer readings if you overlook them entirely.
Construction Type
Examining the index of a tire can help determine its construction type. Radial tires are denoted by an ‘R’ in the tire size index and have a sophisticated construction with square footprints, making them ideal for driving on roads. A ‘B’ indicates that it is a bias ply or cross ply type, which has a different construction than radial tires and is better suited to off-roading. As such, 245 75R16 and 265 70R16 tires have radial construction, as indicated by their “R” in the tire size index.
Rim Diameter
It has been established that the last two digits of a tire index denote its rim diameter, measured in inches. This is exemplified by comparing 245-75R16 Vs. 265-70R16 tires; both have 16-inch rims. Research indicates that there is no difference between these two tires when it comes to their rim diameters. The hollow beads can accurately calculate any tire’s exact diameter. Additionally, this implies either one will easily fit onto a 16-inch wheel.
Wrapping Up With A Comparison Table Between 245-75R16 Vs. 265-70R16 Tire
| Aspects | 245 75R16 | 265 70R16 | Difference |
| Diameter mm | 773.9 | 777.4 | 3.5 (0.5%) |
| Width mm | 245 | 265 | 20 (8.2%) |
| Circumference inches | 95.72 | 96.15 | 0.43 (0.5%) |
| Sidewall Height mm | 183.75 | 185.5 | 1.75 (1%) |
| Revs per mile | 661.93 | 658.95 | -2.98 (-0.5%) |
| Aspect Ratio | 75 | 70 | 5 |
It can be seen that the 245-75R16 Vs. 265-70R16 tires are primarily similar in size. The difference in Revs per mile produced is a marginal 0.5%. Additionally, there is a slight variation of less than 2 millimeters when comparing Sidewall Height between the two tires. Despite the Width being notably dissimilar, this discrepancy is balanced out by their aspect ratio.
So Can You Interchange Between 245-75R16 Vs. 265-70R16 Tires?
Interchanging between 245/75R16 and 265/70R16 tires is possible, as both sizes are relatively similar in every aspect. The difference in aspect ratio is 0.5%, which is less than 3%. Therefore, it should not significantly impact the speedometer readings.
Final Words
There is not much difference between 245-75R16 Vs. 265-70R16 tires, with less than 2 millimeters difference in sidewall height. Both sizes fit on a 16-inch wheel, meaning they are interchangeable, so one tire can be replaced with the other dimension. However, it should be noted that such an action may slightly alter the riding experience. It is recommended to stick to one of these sizes for optimal performance.