Tire Size Box

175/60R16 vs 175/70R16

175/70R16 compared with 175/60R16

+5.7% diameter, 0.0" width

175/70R16 is 25.65" tall vs 24.27". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

24.3"16" rim4.1"6.9" wide
175/60R16 (solid) compared with 175/70R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 175/70R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

63.4 mph

175/70R16 is +1.38 inches (+5.7%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

175/60R16175/70R16Difference%
Overall diameter24.27"25.65"+1.38"+5.7%
Section width6.89"6.89"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.13"4.82"+0.69"+16.7%
Circumference76.24"80.57"+4.33"+5.7%
Revolutions per mile831.1786.4−44.7−5.4%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 175/60R16 and you fit 175/70R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.1 mph+1.1 mph
30 mph31.7 mph+1.7 mph
40 mph42.3 mph+2.3 mph
50 mph52.8 mph+2.8 mph
60 mph63.4 mph+3.4 mph
65 mph68.7 mph+3.7 mph
70 mph74.0 mph+4.0 mph
75 mph79.3 mph+4.3 mph
80 mph84.5 mph+4.5 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 175/60R16 or 175/70R16?
175/70R16 is taller by 1.38 inches (25.65" vs 24.27"). 175/60R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 175/60R16 with 175/70R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +5.7%, more than the 3% most shops and makers allow. It will throw off the speedometer and may affect ABS, stability control and clearance.
How much will 175/70R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 175/70R16 fitted (calibrated for 175/60R16), your real speed is 63.4 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 5.7%.
Will 175/70R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.69 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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