165/65R14 vs 165/70R14

165/70R14 is 0.65 in (16.5 mm) taller than 165/65R14, a +2.89% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 165/65R14, an indicated 60 mph is 61.7 mph on 165/70R14.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +2.89%: within the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 165/70R14 falls inside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 165/65R14. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.

165/65R14 vs 165/70R14 differences
Measurement	165/65R14	165/70R14	Difference	% diff
Overall diameter	22.44 in (570.1 mm)	23.09 in (586.6 mm)	+0.65 in (+16.5 mm)	+2.89%
Sidewall height	4.22 in (107.3 mm)	4.55 in (115.5 mm)	+0.32 in (+8.3 mm)	+7.69%
Section width	6.50 in (165.0 mm)	6.50 in (165.0 mm)	0.00 in (0.0 mm)	0.00%
Circumference	70.51 in (1,791.0 mm)	72.55 in (1,842.9 mm)	+2.04 in (+51.8 mm)	+2.89%
Revolutions per mile	899	873	−25	−2.81%

True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 165/65R14
Indicated	Actual on 165/65R14	Actual on 165/70R14	Difference
30 mph	30.0 mph	30.9 mph	+0.9 mph
60 mph	60.0 mph	61.7 mph	+1.7 mph
75 mph	75.0 mph	77.2 mph	+2.2 mph

Ride-height change: 165/70R14 raises the vehicle by 0.32 in (8.3 mm) at the axle (half the +16.5 mm diameter difference).

165/70R14 is 0.65 in taller than 165/65R14 and the same width, a 2.89% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 165/65R14, an indicated 60 mph is actually 61.7 mph on 165/70R14, and revolutions per mile change from 899 to 873.

Both sizes mount on 14-inch wheels.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 165/65R14

Other comparisons with 165/70R14

Source: Calculated from standard tire geometry formulas. Verified 2026-09-27. How these numbers are calculated.