245 75r16 vs 265 75r16: Know the Differences!

Both 245 75R16 and 265 75R16 tire sizes are popular in the tire industry. Various SUVs and light trucks can be fitted with 245 75R16 and 265 75R16 tires.

So, what are the differences between 245 75r16 vs 265 75r16?

The 245 75r16 has a shorter width, circumference, and diameter than the 265 75r16. The 265 tires have a bigger load index and capacity but a decrease of 3.7% in the speedometer. For off-road terrains, the expensive 265 75r16 is a better choice with improved handling. The 245 75r16 triumphs in slippery, wet roads and city pavements.

Knowing only this won’t be enough to choose the better one for your need. For a detailed explanation of each difference, read the entire article.

245 75r16 vs 265 75r16: Key Differences

Let’s take a look at the name convention first to understand the difference between 245 75R16 and 265 75R16.

The tire size index is composed of four terms. By breaking down its component parts, we get – 

• The first number (245 or 265) is the width of the tire in millimeters.
• The second number (75) is the aspect ratio, which is the height of the sidewall as a percentage of the width.
• The third number (16) is the diameter of the wheel that the tire is designed to fit, measured in inches.

This means that these two tires mainly have a difference in their widths like the difference between 265 75r16 and 285 75r16. Prior to discussing the whole issue, let’s get to know the differences quickly.

245 75r16 vs 265 75r16: Detailed Comparison

Now let’s learn a bit more about their differences. After reading the detailed comparison, you’ll be able to understand the differences more precisely. 

Grip And Handling:

Due to having a larger contact patch with a road, wide tires outperform narrow tires in terms of handling and maneuverability. 

So, the 265 75r16 provides more grip and improved handling when compared to the 245 75r16.

Gas Mileage:

Rolling resistance is positively correlated with gas mileage. Since the 245 75r16 has lower rolling resistance, it will provide better fuel consumption than the 265 75r16, similar to the comparison between 265 70r17 and 285 70r17.

Tire Traction:

Due to its wider contact patch and greater surface area, the 265/75R16 tire provides better traction and stability in off-road conditions. Additionally, it may be better suited to towing heavier loads. 

In wet or slippery conditions, the narrower 245/75R16 tire performs slightly better since its surface area is smaller. 

Size:

The main size difference between the two tires is the width difference. The width of the 245 75r16 is 9.63 inches with 30.47 inches sidewall height. in contrast, the 265 75r16 has a width of 10.43 inches and a sidewall height of 31.65 inches.

Vehicle Demands:

A smaller tire is mainly built for performance cars, while a bigger one is the best fit for vehicles with heavy loads. So, if you have a sporty or smaller SUV, the 245 tires are perfect. For larger SUVs or trucks, the 265 tires are a better option.

Snow Driving:

Instead of the size difference, tread design is the most important thing for a tire for snow-driving compatibility. Both the 245 75r16 and 275 65r16 will have bad performance if they are not rated for severe snow service. This is also applicable when comparing 275 55r20 with 275 65r20. 

Off-Road Driving:

Tires with a wider tread provide better traction and grip. So, for off-road terrain and rocky uneven roads, the 275 65r16 is clearly a better tire than the 245 75r16.

Price:

The 245 75r16 tires are relatively cheaper with a price range of $130 to $170 per tire. The larger 265 75r16 tire has a steeper price range of $150 to $190 depending on brand and quality.

Verdict:

In the end, choosing the right tire size will depend on the weather and road conditions you are driving in as well as your specific needs.

In general, for off-road terrain and cushioned driving experience go for the expensive and larger 265 75r16. 

For rainy weather, the cheap and small 245 75r16 tires are ideal and provide better mileage. 

Although the 245s are standard tires for vehicles like Toyota Tacoma, and Chevrolet Silverado 1500, you can also swap them with the 265s. 

Choosing a proper tire should always be done with the assistance of a tire professional or by consulting the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

How tall are 245 tires?

The 245/45 tires are around 110.25 millimeters tall. As the aspect ratio of a tire decreases, its firmness generally increases.  Its height is approximately 45% of its width. 

Can I use 265 tires instead of 245? 

Yes, you can use 265 tires instead of 245. However, you have to ensure that the new tires have the same width and load rating as your existing 245 tires, you can safely swap them out for 265 tires. However, it’s possible that the larger tires may rub against your car’s suspension or body. 

Can you use a wider tire on the same rim? 

Yes, you can use a wider tire on the same rim. But you should consider that the tire will not fit that tightly since the wider tire has a smaller diameter. The wider tire may rub against the suspension or frame of your vehicle, which could require adjustments to prevent damage. Also, using a wider tire may also impact the handling of your vehicle.  

Conclusion

Hopefully, you’ve found out the differences between 245 75R16 vs 265 75R16. 
It is mainly the narrower width of 245 tires that separates them from 265 tires. A 245 tire typically fits a sedan or coupe since it’s the best fit for smaller trucks. On the other hand, 265 tires are typically wider and are commonly used on larger vehicles such as SUVs and trucks.

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