Tires are one of the most important components of every vehicle.
They provide traction and grip on the road to properly steer, brake, and accelerate.
When roads are wet, snowy, or icy, tires give cars the grip they need to stay on the road and avoid accidents.
They also make driving more comfortable by reducing road noise and vibrations.
There are 5 common types of tires available on the market, each designed to meet the needs of specific vehicles and driving conditions.
- All-Season Tires
- Winter Tires
- Summer Tires
- Performance Tires
- Off-Road Tires
Tires also come in different sizes.
245 and 275 are the two most common tire sizes available in the USA.
What Do 245 and 275 Mean on Tires?
The numbers “245” and “275” marked on a tire mean the section width of a tire in millimeters.
275 tires are 275 millimeters wide, whereas 245 tires are 245 millimeters wide.
Thus, the 275 tires are 30 millimeters wider than the 245 tires.
Usually, tire width is measured from the sidewall of the tire, which is the tire’s widest point.
The two sizes have several key differences, but both offer distinct advantages.
The section width is important in how well the tire fits on the wheel.
Tire diameter affects vehicle performance and handling ability.
245 Vs 275 Tires [9 Differences You Must Know]
There are 9 major differences between 245 and 275 tires, including width, size, weight, handling, grip, fuel efficiency, acceleration, load capacity, and pricing.
1. 245 vs 275 Tire Width Comparison
The major difference between 245 and 275 tires is their width.
The width of a tire is measured from the widest point of its sidewall.
The widths of the 245 tires are 245 millimeters, while the widths of the 275 tires are 275 millimeters.
So, the 275 tires are 30 millimeters wider than the 245 tires.
2. 245 vs 275 Tire Size
The tire size is usually represented by a combination of numbers and letters on the tire’s sidewall.
The numbers indicate tire width, aspect ratio, and diameter.
The letters indicate the tire’s speed rating and load capacity.
For example, a “245/70R17” tire size means the tire has a width of 245 millimeters, an aspect ratio of 70%, and fits on a 17-inch wheel.
275 tires are slightly taller than 255 tires with the same aspect ratio.
For example, 275/70R17 tires are approximately 1.6 inches taller than 245/70R17 tires.
3. Weight
Different tire brands and models may have different tire weights.
The sizes of the 275 tires are wider than the 245 tires.
It takes more material to manufacture 275 tires.
Due to this, 275 tires are heavier than 245 tires.
For example, LT245/70R17 tires weigh 42 pounds, while LT275/70R17 tires weigh 56 pounds.
4. Handling
A narrower tire handles and steers better and is more accurate because it has a smaller area of contact with the road.
Drivers should focus more on agility and responsiveness than on getting maximum traction.
But tire width is not the only factor in handling.
The tread design, tire construction, and materials used also affect handling ability.
5. Grip
275 tires provide better traction and grip than 245 tires.
Wide tires have a larger contact patch with the road surface than narrow tires, which allows more of the tire to contact the road.
The larger contact patch improves grip and traction.
The larger contact patch also makes it easier for the tire to make friction with the road, which makes it grip the road better.
Acceleration, cornering, and braking become better due to the increased grip.
6. Fuel Efficiency
245 tires are more fuel-efficient than 275 tires and provide better MPG.
Narrower tires are generally more fuel-efficient than wider tires because they have less rolling resistance.
Tires roll by overcoming rolling resistance.
Narrower tires have a smaller contact patch with the road, which reduces friction.
The tire requires less gas to maintain its speed by reducing rolling resistance.
Additionally, narrower tires are lighter than wider ones, which improves fuel efficiency.
7. Acceleration
Wider tires provide better acceleration than narrower ones.
That is why 275 tires provide better acceleration than 245 tires.
Because wider tires have a larger contact patch with the road, they provide better grip and traction, which results in better acceleration.
It’s important to note that tire size is just one factor affecting acceleration.
The vehicle’s weight, engine power and torque, transmission type, and gearing also play an important role.
A wider tire may also negatively impact fuel economy and handling by increasing rolling resistance and decreasing maneuverability.
8. Load Capacity
Load capacity refers to the maximum weight that a tire can safely carry.
Tire load capacity is typically expressed as a numerical value called the load index.
The load index is a two- or three-digit number that tells how much weight the tire can hold in pounds or kilograms.
For example, a tire with a load index of 80 can safely carry a maximum load of 992 pounds.
A wider tire, such as a 275, has a higher load capacity than a narrower tire, such as a 245.
A wider tire has a larger contact patch with the road.
As a result, the vehicle’s weight is distributed more evenly and becomes more stable when loaded heavily.
9. Pricing
The pricing of 245 and 275 tires may vary depending on the brand, the quality, and the specific model.
However, 275 tires are generally more expensive than 245 tires due to their wider size.
Wider tires require more rubber and steel to manufacture because of their size.
The increased material cost is reflected in the increased price of wide tires.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between 245 and 275 tires depends on your driving needs and preferences.
If you prioritize handling and precision, a 245 tire will be a better choice due to its narrow width.
However, a wider 275-series tire will be more suitable for your vehicle if you value traction and stability.
Choosing the right tire for your vehicle will make your ride more convenient and safe.
To learn more about the differences between other tires, read the following articles:
