135/80R17 Tire Size

All You Need to Know About 135/80R17 Tires

The (T)135/80R17 tire is used in the temporary spare category, where tire dimensions are intentionally reduced to save space while still maintaining a rolling diameter closer to standard road tires than smaller spare sizes.

135/80R17 defines a tire that is 135 mm wide, with an 80% aspect ratio and a 17-inch wheel diameter, resulting in an overall diameter of ≈25.5 inches and a sidewall height of ≈4.25 inches.

Compared to smaller spare sizes such as 125/70R17, the 135/80R17 increases both diameter and sidewall height. This reduces the difference in rolling circumference relative to full-size tires, which directly lowers drivetrain stress during temporary use.

135/80R17 is not intended for continuous driving. Its construction and tread design are optimized for short-term operation under controlled speed and distance limits.

135/80R17 Size Quick Specs

• Approved rim width range: 3.5–4.5"
• Overall diameter: ≈25.5"
• Section width: 135 mm
• Sidewall height: 108.0 mm
• Fits: 17-inch wheels (temporary spare applications)
• Typical inflation pressure: ≈60 PSI

Note: While the calculated overall diameter of 135/80R17 is ≈25.5 inches, it may vary within ± 0.1 - 0.2 inches, depending on the manufacturer's design.

135/80R17 Dimensions in Inches

The 135/80R17 tire is approximately 5.3 inches wide, 25.5 inches tall overall, and has a sidewall height of about 4.3 inches.

At ≈25.5 inches in diameter, the circumference is ≈80.1 inches, which determines how far the tire travels per full rotation. 

135/80R17 in Inches: All Measurements

• Overall diameter: 2≈25.5"
• Width: ≈5.3"
• Sidewall height: ≈4.3"
• Wheel diameter: 17"
• Circumference: ≈80.1"

Circumference Difference of 135/80R17 vs Full-Size Tires

A 135/80R17 spare has a circumference of ≈80.1 inches, compared to ≈82–90 inches for most larger passenger vehicles using 17-inch wheels.

This reduces the rolling difference to roughly 2-10 inches per rotation, or about 2-12%, depending on the original tire size. The smaller the difference, the less correction is required from the differential during operation.

Because the 135/80R17 sits closer to standard diameters than narrower spare sizes, it generates lower rotational mismatch, which is the primary reason manufacturers use this size on larger vehicles.

Axle Placement Requirements for 135/80R17

The placement of a 135/80R17 spare should avoid the driven axle whenever possible.

On front-wheel-drive vehicles, installing the 135/80R17 spare on the rear axle reduces continuous speed variation across the differential. On rear-wheel-drive vehicles, the opposite applies. This minimizes internal load caused by mismatched tire diameters.

With an overall diameter of ≈25.5 inches, the 135/80R17 is still not identical to most OE tires. Even a small difference in circumference forces the drivetrain to compensate continuously, which is why correct axle positioning matters.

135/80R17 PSI Requirements 

A 135/80R17 temporary spare typically operates at approximately 60 PSI.

Because the 135/80R17 tire is narrow (135 mm), the contact patch is limited. Higher internal pressure is required to support vehicle weight and maintain structural stability.

Operating below the 60 PSI pressure reduces the 135/80R17 load capacity and increases heat buildup, which can lead to failure under continued use. Maintaining correct pressure is therefore essential for safe temporary operation.

Most Recommended 135/80R17 Tires

Best tires in 135/80R17 size include: Kumho T131 Spare, Continental Spare Tire