Tire Size Box

295/45R17 vs 295/55R17

295/55R17 compared with 295/45R17

+8.5% diameter, 0.0" width

295/55R17 is 29.78" tall vs 27.45". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

27.5"17" rim5.2"11.6" wide
295/45R17 (solid) compared with 295/55R17 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 295/55R17 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

65.1 mph

295/55R17 is +2.32 inches (+8.5%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

295/45R17295/55R17Difference%
Overall diameter27.45"29.78"+2.32"+8.5%
Section width11.61"11.61"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height5.23"6.39"+1.16"+22.2%
Circumference86.25"93.54"+7.30"+8.5%
Revolutions per mile734.6677.3−57.3−7.8%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 295/45R17 and you fit 295/55R17, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.7 mph+1.7 mph
30 mph32.5 mph+2.5 mph
40 mph43.4 mph+3.4 mph
50 mph54.2 mph+4.2 mph
60 mph65.1 mph+5.1 mph
65 mph70.5 mph+5.5 mph
70 mph75.9 mph+5.9 mph
75 mph81.3 mph+6.3 mph
80 mph86.8 mph+6.8 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 295/45R17 or 295/55R17?
295/55R17 is taller by 2.32 inches (29.78" vs 27.45"). 295/45R17 is the same width.
Can I replace 295/45R17 with 295/55R17?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +8.5%, 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 295/55R17 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 295/55R17 fitted (calibrated for 295/45R17), your real speed is 65.1 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 8.5%.
Will 295/55R17 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +1.16 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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