How much bigger can you go on tire size?

The amount you can safely upsize tire diameter depends on your vehicle and setup. In many cases, a modest increase of about 3-5% in overall tire diameter can be accommodated without major changes, but larger jumps typically require suspension tweaks, fender work, wheel adjustments, and speedometer recalibration. Always verify fitment and legality for your specific model.

Understanding how tire size affects fitment and performance

Knowing what changes when you pick a larger tire helps you estimate fit, safety, and driving dynamics. The numbers on a tire indicate several dimensions that interact with your vehicle's geometry and systems.

• Rolling diameter and circumference determine how far the vehicle travels per wheel rotation, affecting gearing feel and speedometer accuracy.


• Width and sidewall height influence clearance to fenders, suspension components, and the underbody during steering and suspension travel.


• Wheel offset and backspacing dictate how far the tire sits inboard or outboard relative to the wheel well, impacting rubbing and steering leverage.


• Load index and speed rating must meet or exceed your vehicle’s requirements to maintain handling and safety characteristics.

When you move to a bigger tire, these factors interact. The result can be a marginal upgrade with minimal changes or a need for significant adjustments to maintain clearance and performance.

Guidelines for choosing a bigger tire size

Use these guidelines to estimate how much you can safely upsize and what adjustments might be needed. The goal is to keep overall diameter within a range that preserves speedometer accuracy, gearing, and clearance.

1. Determine your current rolling diameter and decide how much you want to increase; a 3-5% change is common for mild upsizes.


2. Check wheel well clearance by turning the steering lock-to-lock and compressing the suspension to full bump and full rebound to look for rubbing.


3. Assess how the change will affect the speedometer, odometer, and gearing; plan for recalibration if the change is significant.


4. Consider whether modifications are needed, such as leveling or a lift, fender trimming, or rolling to prevent rubbing.


5. Ensure the new tire’s load and speed ratings meet or exceed the vehicle’s requirements and that the choice complies with local laws and manufacturer guidance.

Following these steps helps you gauge feasibility and the extent of any required modifications before making a purchase.

Vehicle-type notes and common scenarios

Different vehicle platforms handle upsizes at varying levels of ease. Here are typical considerations by category:

Passenger cars and compact sedans

• Often have limited inner clearance; many can accommodate up to about 0.5-1 inch of extra diameter with minimal rubbing, but some trims may require fender flare work or cosmetic trimming.


• Steering and suspension systems are generally sensitive to large changes; speedometer recalibration is commonly needed for noticeable diameter increases.

Before selecting tires for a passenger car, measure actual clearance and consult the owner’s manual or a tire-fitment guide for model-specific limits.

SUVs and crossovers

• Typically more room to grow; common upsizes range from 0.5 to 1.5 inches in diameter, depending on the model and wheel setup.


• Upgrading often benefits from a leveling kit or mild lift to maintain clearance, especially with aggressive tread patterns.

Always verify with a professional and consider how a larger tire will affect fuel economy and braking feel.

Trucks and off-road capable vehicles

• These platforms tolerate larger tires, especially with suspension lifts or solid axles; upsizes of 2-4 inches or more are common with appropriate equipment.


• Be mindful of gearing, exhaust clearance, steering geometry, and potential transmission or axle strain; recalibration and alignment are important after changes.

For heavy-duty use or extreme upsizes, a documented build plan and professional installation are strongly advised.

What to check before you buy bigger tires

Before committing to larger tires, run through key checks to protect safety and performance.

• Measure actual clearance around the tire at full steering lock and full suspension travel to ensure no rubbing.


• Confirm wheel well clearance remains acceptable with the new size, including front and rear areas and mud flaps if equipped.


• Check the vehicle’s electronics (ABS, traction control, stability control) for potential interference or recalibration needs.


• Assess the impact on the speedometer, odometer, and gearing; plan for reprogramming or recalibration if necessary.


• Verify the load index and speed rating meet or exceed manufacturer requirements for your load and usage profile.

Consult the vehicle manufacturer, a qualified tire shop, or an off-road specialist to confirm fitment for your exact vehicle configuration.

Summary

There is no universal limit on how much bigger you can go with tire size; it depends on the vehicle, suspension, and wheel setup. For most vehicles, a mild upsizing that changes the rolling diameter by about 3-5% is feasible with minimal modifications. Larger increases typically demand suspension work, possible fender trimming or rolling, wheel offset considerations, and speedometer recalibration, along with careful attention to legality and warranty implications. Always measure clearance, verify fit with your exact model, and consult professionals before purchasing new tires or wheels.

How much bigger can I go on tire size?

When changing tire sizes, we recommend staying within 3% of the diameter/height of the original tire. Any more than this and you face the risk of brake failure.

How much can I upsize my tires?

The ideal maximum calculated upsize that can be done without upsetting the car's dynamics is around three percent of the original total tyre diameter. Any increase above this will result in a noticeable drop in fuel efficiency and compromise ride and handling.

How much difference in tire size is acceptable?

A difference of up to 3% in tire diameter is generally considered acceptable, as larger variations can negatively affect your speedometer, odometer, and other vehicle systems like ABS and stability control. Some sources suggest being even more conservative and staying within 2%, while others note that larger differences may be acceptable for some vehicles, like certain trucks and SUVs, but may require reprogramming vehicle systems. 
Why tire size matters

• Speedometer and odometer: A change in tire size will alter how fast your car is actually traveling versus what the speedometer reads. A larger tire will make the speedometer read slower than your actual speed, and a smaller tire will make it read faster. 
• Vehicle systems: Systems that rely on wheel speed data, such as the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control, can malfunction if the tire size difference is too great. 
• Handling and performance: Significant changes in tire size can affect the vehicle's handling characteristics and steering geometry. 
• Mechanical interference: Larger tires may rub against the wheel wells or other suspension components, especially when turning. 

What to do when changing tire size

• Stay within 3%: Always try to stay within a 3% diameter difference from your original equipment (OE) tires. For example, a 3% change on a 26-inch diameter tire would be about three-quarters of an inch. 
• Consult a professional: Before making any changes, it is best to consult with a trusted mechanic or tire professional. They can ensure that any new tire size will be compatible with your vehicle's specifications and systems. 
• Consider vehicle-specific needs: For all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles, keep in mind that all four tires should ideally have a similar rolling radius and circumference. Some manufacturers recommend keeping the difference between any two tires within 1/41 / 41/4 to 1/21 / 21/2 inch. 
• Get it calibrated: If you must deviate from the recommended tire size, you may need to have the speedometer recalibrated to ensure it's accurate. 

Can you go from 265 to 275 tires?

Yes, you can go from 265 to 275 tires, as the size difference is minimal and typically fits on the same wheel with no major issues. This change is about 101010 mm wider, which is a small increase that generally doesn't cause problems with speedometer accuracy or steering, and is often within the recommended 3% tolerance for tire size changes. However, you should still check your vehicle's specifications, the wheel's recommended size, and make sure the new tires are compatible with your vehicle's load capacity.
 
Key considerations

• Wheel fitment: 275mm is a common and acceptable width for many rims that originally came with 265mm tires. 
• Clearance: Ensure there is enough clearance for the slightly wider tire in the wheel well, especially when turning. The increased width is only about 101010 mm, which is a very small change. 
• Speedometer and odometer: The speedometer will be slightly affected, but the change is so small that it's often negligible. The difference in speed is typically less than a 222 mph variation. 
• Load rating: Make sure the new 275 tires have an appropriate load rating for your vehicle. 
• Rim width: Check the recommended rim width range for the 275 tire. Many common rims will accommodate both sizes. 
• Tire type: The specific type of tire (e.g., all-season, off-road) and its construction can affect the overall feel, even with similar size specifications. 

This video explains the differences between 265 and 275 tires: 59sTire BloggerYouTube · Jul 23, 2024
Before you switch

• Check your vehicle's manual and the sticker on the driver's side door jamb for the recommended tire sizes and load ratings. 
• Verify the ideal rim width for the 275/70/17 tire in the product specifications. 
• Consider the impact on your vehicle's performance, such as a slight change in fuel economy, steering feel, or handling. 
• If possible, test fit the tires before buying them to ensure there are no clearance issues.