255/45R17 Tire Size

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Shop 255/45R17 tires in stock with confirmed size specs, validated diameter in inches, approved rim width range, and verified vehicle fitment before purchase.

Browse and filter 255/45R17 tires from Continental, Pirelli, Yokohama and more to quickly find your ideal fit.

All You Need to Know About 255/45R17 Tires

255/45R17 tires are 255 mm wide, with a 45% aspect ratio and a 17-inch wheel diameter, producing an overall diameter of 26.0 inches and a sidewall height of 4.52 inches.

The 255/45R17 size sits between low-profile performance tires and mid-profile comfort-oriented configurations, combining a wide tread with a moderate sidewall height that supports both lateral stability and controlled ride compliance.

Compared to a shorter size, such as 255/40R17, the 255/45R17 increases both sidewall height and overall diameter. That increase improves impact absorption and slightly raises the vehicle, while reducing wheel rotation speed at a given road speed.

255/45R17 Size Quick Specs

  • Approved rim width range: 8.0–9.5"
  • Measuring rim width: 8.5"
  • Width: 255 mm
  • Sidewall height: 114.75 mm
  • Overall diameter: 26.0"
  • Wheel diameter: 17 in

Note: The calculated overall diameter of 255/45R17 is ≈26.04 inches. A small variation may occur (+/-1%) depending on tread depth and casing structure rather than the nominal size itself. Mounting 255/45R17 within the approved 8.0–9.5" rim width range can slightly influence section shape and sidewall profile without changing the overall diameter. Learn more about Rim Width Ranges and Limits.

255/45R17 Common Vehicle Fitment

255/45R17 is primarily found on performance sedans and coupes where a balance between grip and ride compliance is required. In the U.S. market, it appears mostly on specific trims or staggered configurations rather than as a universal platform size.

  • BMW 5 Series (1997–2003, selected fitments); 7 Series (1995–2001, selected trims);
  • Mercedes-Benz E-Class (selected configurations); SL500
  • Lexus GS (performance-oriented trims)
  • Ferrari 456 GT/GTA, 456M
  • Cadillac STS (2004-2012) and SLS (2007-2013)
  • Ford Mustang SVT Cobra/Cobra R
  • Jaguar XJR
  • Chevrolet Corvette (1993-1996, including 40th Anniversary Edition)

Because the 255/45R17 size is often used in performance-oriented setups, correct fitment depends on wheel width, offset, and available clearance, especially when used on rear axles in staggered configurations.

255/45R17 Dimensions in Inches

The 255/45R17 tire size measures about 10.04 inches in width, 26.0 inches in overall diameter, and has a sidewall height of about 4.52 inches.

The 4.52-inch sidewall provides more vertical compliance than a 40-series alternative while still maintaining controlled deformation under load. This allows the tire to absorb road irregularities more effectively without significantly reducing steering precision.

255/45R17 in Inches: All Measurements

  • Total heigth: ≈26.0"
  • Width: 10.04"
  • Sidewall height: 4.52"
  • Wheel diameter: 17"
  • Circumference: ≈81.8"

Most Recommended 255/45R17 Tires

Best tires in 255/45R17 size include:

Product section
Title:
Subtitle:
Product Ids: 236726,152051,230042,232874,150746,229294

Comparison of 255/45R17 With Similar Tire Sizes

255/45R17 sits close enough to both 255/40R17 and 245/45R17 to invite direct comparison, but each pairing reveals a different trade-off - one in sidewall height, the other in section width.

Difference Between 255/45R17 and 255/40R17 Tire Sizes

The 255/40R17 maintains the same 255mm width as the 255/45R17, but sits measurably shorter:

  • Width: identical at 255 mm
  • Overall diameter: 255/40R17 is ≈1.00 inch (≈4.0%) smaller than 255/45R17

At 4.0%, this gap exceeds the ±3% threshold, ruling out direct substitution between 255/40R17 and 255/45R17. The height difference is meaningful in practice - 255/45R17 adds ride height and reduces rotational speed, while 255/40R17 keeps a lower stance and sharpens steering response through reduced sidewall flex.

Difference Between 255/45R17 vs 245/45R17 Tire Sizes

The 245/45R17 matches 255/45R17 closely in diameter but runs narrower:

  • Width: 245/45R17 is 10 mm narrower
  • Overall diameter: 245/45R17 is ≈0.35 inches (≈1.4%) smaller than 255/45R17

The diameter gap between 245/45R17 and 255/45R17 sits comfortably within the ±3% range, making these sizes generally interchangeable from a rolling-diameter standpoint. The more consequential change is the narrower section - 10 mm less width in 245/45R17 reduces the contact patch, affects lateral grip under load, and requires confirmation that the replacement falls within the approved rim width range.

Before switching from or to 255/45R17 tires, it is important to understand how the 3% rule works in practice and what additional factors should be verified when changing tire size.

All You Need to Know About 255/45R17 Tires

255/45R17 tires are 255 mm wide, with a 45% aspect ratio and a 17-inch wheel diameter, producing an overall diameter of 26.0 inches and a sidewall height of 4.52 inches.

The 255/45R17 size sits between low-profile performance tires and mid-profile comfort-oriented configurations, combining a wide tread with a moderate sidewall height that supports both lateral stability and controlled ride compliance.

Compared to a shorter size, such as 255/40R17, the 255/45R17 increases both sidewall height and overall diameter. That increase improves impact absorption and slightly raises the vehicle, while reducing wheel rotation speed at a given road speed.

255/45R17 Size Quick Specs

  • Approved rim width range: 8.0–9.5"
  • Measuring rim width: 8.5"
  • Width: 255 mm
  • Sidewall height: 114.75 mm
  • Overall diameter: 26.0"
  • Wheel diameter: 17 in

Note: The calculated overall diameter of 255/45R17 is ≈26.04 inches. A small variation may occur (+/-1%) depending on tread depth and casing structure rather than the nominal size itself. Mounting 255/45R17 within the approved 8.0–9.5" rim width range can slightly influence section shape and sidewall profile without changing the overall diameter. Learn more about Rim Width Ranges and Limits.

255/45R17 Common Vehicle Fitment

255/45R17 is primarily found on performance sedans and coupes where a balance between grip and ride compliance is required. In the U.S. market, it appears mostly on specific trims or staggered configurations rather than as a universal platform size.

  • BMW 5 Series (1997–2003, selected fitments); 7 Series (1995–2001, selected trims);
  • Mercedes-Benz E-Class (selected configurations); SL500
  • Lexus GS (performance-oriented trims)
  • Ferrari 456 GT/GTA, 456M
  • Cadillac STS (2004-2012) and SLS (2007-2013)
  • Ford Mustang SVT Cobra/Cobra R
  • Jaguar XJR
  • Chevrolet Corvette (1993-1996, including 40th Anniversary Edition)

Because the 255/45R17 size is often used in performance-oriented setups, correct fitment depends on wheel width, offset, and available clearance, especially when used on rear axles in staggered configurations.

255/45R17 Dimensions in Inches

The 255/45R17 tire size measures about 10.04 inches in width, 26.0 inches in overall diameter, and has a sidewall height of about 4.52 inches.

The 4.52-inch sidewall provides more vertical compliance than a 40-series alternative while still maintaining controlled deformation under load. This allows the tire to absorb road irregularities more effectively without significantly reducing steering precision.

255/45R17 in Inches: All Measurements

  • Total heigth: ≈26.0"
  • Width: 10.04"
  • Sidewall height: 4.52"
  • Wheel diameter: 17"
  • Circumference: ≈81.8"

Most Recommended 255/45R17 Tires

Best tires in 255/45R17 size include:

Product section
Title:
Subtitle:
Product Ids: 236726,152051,230042,232874,150746,229294

Comparison of 255/45R17 With Similar Tire Sizes

255/45R17 sits close enough to both 255/40R17 and 245/45R17 to invite direct comparison, but each pairing reveals a different trade-off - one in sidewall height, the other in section width.

Difference Between 255/45R17 and 255/40R17 Tire Sizes

The 255/40R17 maintains the same 255mm width as the 255/45R17, but sits measurably shorter:

  • Width: identical at 255 mm
  • Overall diameter: 255/40R17 is ≈1.00 inch (≈4.0%) smaller than 255/45R17

At 4.0%, this gap exceeds the ±3% threshold, ruling out direct substitution between 255/40R17 and 255/45R17. The height difference is meaningful in practice - 255/45R17 adds ride height and reduces rotational speed, while 255/40R17 keeps a lower stance and sharpens steering response through reduced sidewall flex.

Difference Between 255/45R17 vs 245/45R17 Tire Sizes

The 245/45R17 matches 255/45R17 closely in diameter but runs narrower:

  • Width: 245/45R17 is 10 mm narrower
  • Overall diameter: 245/45R17 is ≈0.35 inches (≈1.4%) smaller than 255/45R17

The diameter gap between 245/45R17 and 255/45R17 sits comfortably within the ±3% range, making these sizes generally interchangeable from a rolling-diameter standpoint. The more consequential change is the narrower section - 10 mm less width in 245/45R17 reduces the contact patch, affects lateral grip under load, and requires confirmation that the replacement falls within the approved rim width range.

Before switching from or to 255/45R17 tires, it is important to understand how the 3% rule works in practice and what additional factors should be verified when changing tire size.

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