What Is The Biggest Tire I Can Put On A 17 Inch Rim?

Whether you're planning to replace your tires or customize them, the number of available sizes for different tires can be overwhelming. If you have 17-inch rims, you've probably wondered what the biggest tire you can put on these rims. We researched different tire sizes to find the answers for you.

If your vehicle has a 17-inch rim, the biggest tire size you can put on them is a 54-inch tire (in diameter.) The 54/19.5R17 size has a very thick section width, so this tire should only be put on the appropriate vehicle for safety reasons. 

It's important to know what size tires you should get for your car to ensure safe driving at all times. In this post, we will discuss the common tire sizes you can put on a 17-inch rim. We'll also talk about how to read tire sizes to help you look for the right one when shopping at your local automotive store, so keep reading and enjoy this post!

What Is The Biggest Tire I Can Put On A 17-Inch Rim?

When you enter an automotive store looking for tires, the first thing the salesperson may ask you is the tire size. If you're a first-time tire buyer, the question can catch you off guard.

Depending on the kind of vehicle that you have, you might have stock 17-inch rims. You might also want to change your car's rims to a 17-inch size if you want to customize and change the look.

Most hatchbacks and small SUVs sport 17-inch rims for their wheels. If you own a vehicle with this size of rims, you've probably thought about the biggest tire you can put on them.

The biggest tire size that can be installed on a 17-inch rim is a 54-inch tire (54/19.5R17.) This tire is thick and has an excellent grip on mud, soil, and trails. It's a pretty big set of tires, which is why this size is best on custom SUVs, 4x4s, or light trucks.

There are quite a variety of choices if you are looking for the biggest wheel you can put on a 17-inch rim without lift. Depending on the vehicle that you have, the biggest tire size is a 33-inch tire (285/75R17 or 295/70R17.) Some vehicles can only take a 31-inch tire (265/70R17) as the biggest size that fits their 17-inch rim.

Most Common Tire Sizes On A 17-Inch Rim

Since 17-inch rims are the standard size for a lot of vehicles, it's easy to find different tire sizes that fit these rims. There are a lot of tires available which can be installed safely.

For a 17-inch rim, the smallest tire size you can use is a 22-inch tire (22/2.5R17.) These wheels typically perform better as drag wheels for specific vehicles.

However, the most common tire sizes for a 17-inch rim are 265/70R17, 225/65R17, and 215/55R17. These tire sizes work well for different vehicles, with the bigger ones best suited for trucks and SUVs.

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The 265/70R17 is a 31.6-inch tire and it is a common tire size for trucks. Typically, tires of this size are all-terrain with treads that have better grip and stability while driving. Its speed rating states that it can safely handle speeds up to 118 mph.

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For cars and other crossover vehicles, a 225/65R17 tire size works best. These tires have a 28.5-inch diameter and they are designed for all-season use. Since these tires are mostly for smaller vehicles, they can withstand up to 130 mph.

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Another great option for cars is the 215/55R17 tire. Measuring 26.3-inches in diameter, these tires are best for smaller vehicles like sedans and hatchbacks. These tires are great for different terrains and they have excellent steering response.

How Do You Read Your Tire Size?

When you buy a set of tires, it's not enough to just tell the salesperson that you need a 28-inch or 30-inch tire. It's important to have a specific tire size in mind, because it will affect the car's brakes and speedometer. The right tire size will also be different, depending on where you'll be driving and how you drive your vehicle.

Buying new car tires can be quite confusing, especially when you see the labels on these tires. Some of them list sizes in millimeters, while others list the size in inches. There are also letters or other numbers on the label which can add to the confusion. 

When you look for new tires, you'll see labels like 235/75R15 or P215/65R15 89H. Upon first look, it can be quite intimidating since you might not know which size is best for your car. Fortunately, there's an easy way to read these tire labels so you can find the right tires for your car.

Meanings on Tire Sizes

Tire Type

The first letter you see on the tire will tell you what type of tire it is. You will typically see three classes for these tires.

P: passenger vehicle tire. The vehicles included in this tire class are cars, SUVs, minivans, and small pickup trucks. Basically, any vehicle that is used to ferry passengers regularly will fall into this category.

LT: light truck tire. This tire is most suitable for vehicles that carry heavy loads. This includes towing trailers, big pickup trucks, or vehicles that have an upgraded tire option. Some SUVs and 3/4 or 1-ton trucks can use this tire class.

ST: special trailer tire. Vehicles that are big like boat and utility trailers, fifth wheels, and other travel trailers are part of this category. These tires are meant to carry heavier loads with better traction.

Sometimes, you will find tires that do not have the tire type on the label. This usually means that you have a metric tire or a European size. They have different load capacities than a P or LT tire.

Tire Width

The first set of three numbers you'll see on the tire size label is the tire width. This is measured in millimeters, which is why it's measured in hundreds. The width of the tire can be seen when you look at it from the side. You can also refer to this measurement as the section width.

Aspect Ratio

After the tire width, you will typically see a slash (/) to separate the next set of numbers. The second set of numbers on the tire is the aspect ratio. The aspect ratio is the measurement of the sidewall or the width of the tire from the top of the tread to the wheel rim. This measurement is indicated as a percentage on the tire label.

Construction Type

There is a letter after the aspect ratio of the tire label, and this is what you call the construction type. This letter will tell us about the internal construction of the tire.

R: The letter R on the tire means it is a radial tire. Most tires available today are radial tires because this is now the industry standard. An evolution from the past generations of tires, radial tires have less resistance which helps cars have better mileage. They're also more durable and have a better grip, which makes for safer rides in your vehicle. 

D: The letter D on a tire means they have diagonal or crisscrossed plies. Mostly this construction type can be seen on motorcycle or trailer tires.

Wheel Diameter

The wheel diameter is measured in inches, and this is also the same size rim you should get for your tires. This value is measured from two points of the bead seat areas. If you are looking for wheels that will fit your rims, you should always make sure that this value matches the rim size.

Load Index

Typically, you'll see a space after the wheel diameter. There will be two or three numbers after it and this is the load index of the tire. The load index number is how much load the tire can support. These values are measured and can be cross-checked with the tire load index chart.

Speed Rating

On the tire size label, there will be one last letter and this is the speed rating. To make it simpler, these letters correspond to the maximum speed that the tire can safely travel. The higher the value, the better the tire can handle the heat as the vehicle speeds up. 

Wrapping Things Up

One of the best things about having 17-inch rims is the variety of tire sizes available for your vehicle. Since these rims are standards for most vehicles, you won't have a hard time looking for different tires. Nearly all tire brands carry multiple sizes for 17-inch rims, so you'll surely find one that will fit your car's make and model.

Are you looking for more information about your tire rims? We have a couple of articles that might interest you:

How To Cover Tires When Painting Rims?

Can You Put Wider Tires On Stock Rims?