Tire Scouter

255/45R17 tires

Compare 8 models made in this size across 2 categories, ranked by spec score, then confirm fitment for your vehicle.

Spec scores are estimates from five manufacturer specs, not road tests. How we score

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Our top pick in 255/45R17

Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus

  • Performance all-season

Best for high-mileage drivers.

The ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus is a strong contender for drivers who prioritize treadlife and dry handling in a performance all-season tire.

  • Treadlife score of 9.5 is significantly above the category average, supported by a 50,000-mile warranty.
  • Dry grip and handling both score 8, making it a solid choice for spirited driving in various conditions.
  • Comfort score of 6 aligns with the category average, ensuring a reasonable ride quality for a performance tire.
Full analysis

The highest spec score among performance all-season tires in this size that we have analysis for, the most common category for 255/45R17.

79Strong
50k mi
560
AA
W · 168 mph

Every scale below runs from the lowest to the highest spec score among the 8 scored tires in 255/45R17 (68 to 80).

Best performance all-season tires in 255/45R17

5 models, highest spec score first.

All performance all-season tires

  1. Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus

    Best for high-mileage drivers.

    79Strong
    Warranty
    50k mi
    Treadwear
    560
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph
    • Treadlife score of 9.5 is significantly above the category average, supported by a 50,000-mile warranty.
    • Dry grip and handling both score 8, making it a solid choice for spirited driving in various conditions.
    • Wet grip performance lags slightly behind some competitors, which could be a concern in regions with frequent rain.

  2. Yokohama ADVAN Sport A/S+

    Best for enthusiastic drivers.

    78Strong
    Warranty
    55k mi
    Treadwear
    440
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph
    • Dry grip score of 10 and handling score of 10 — both exceed the ultra-high-performance summer category average of 8.7, making it ideal for spirited driving.
    • Wet grip score of 9 is well above the category average of 7.6, offering confidence in rainy conditions.
    • If noise levels are a primary concern, consider alternatives like the Pirelli P Zero (PZ4) for a quieter ride.

  3. Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4

    Best for enthusiast drivers.

    78Strong
    Warranty
    45k mi
    Treadwear
    540
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph
    • Dry grip rating of 9 matches the best in the ultra-high-performance summer category, making it ideal for spirited driving.
    • Wet grip score of 9 exceeds the category average of 7.6, providing confidence in rainy conditions.
    • If comfort is a top priority, consider alternatives with higher comfort scores like the Pirelli P Zero (PZ4).

  4. Toyo Extensa HP II

    Best for budget-conscious drivers.

    71Good
    Warranty
    45k mi
    Treadwear
    500
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph
    • High treadlife score of 9, supported by a 45,000-mile warranty, which is competitive for the segment.
    • Dry grip score of 8, which is solid, though slightly below the category average of 8.4.
    • The lower wet grip rating may not suit drivers in consistently rainy climates, where alternatives like the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus perform better.
Show 1 more performance all-season tire

  1. Laufenn S FIT AS

    Best for longevity-focused drivers.

    71Good
    Warranty
    45k mi
    Treadwear
    500
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph

Best ultra high performance summer tires in 255/45R17

3 models, highest spec score first.

All ultra high performance summer tires

  1. Nitto NT555 G2

    Best for enthusiast drivers.

    80StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    320
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph
    • Perfect dry grip score of 10, significantly above the category average of 8.7, ideal for spirited driving.
    • Wet grip rating of 9 outpaces the ultra-high-performance summer average of 7.6, enhancing safety in wet conditions.
    • Lack of a treadwear warranty could deter buyers looking for a guaranteed lifespan, especially when competitors offer one.

  2. Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02

    Best for wet weather enthusiasts.

    70Good
    Warranty
    30k mi
    Treadwear
    340
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph
    • Wet grip score of 9 exceeds the category average of 7.6, making it a strong performer in rainy conditions.
    • Offers a treadwear warranty of 30,000 miles, which is notable for an ultra-high-performance summer tire.
    • If dry grip is your top priority, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S offers better performance in that area.

  3. Pirelli P Zero System (Collezione)

    Best for enthusiast drivers.

    68GoodFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    140
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph
    • Dry grip score of 8 aligns well with the ultra-high performance summer category, providing solid traction in dry conditions.
    • Handling score of 8 matches its dry grip, making it a responsive choice for spirited driving.
    • Lack of a treadwear warranty and a low treadwear rating of 140 suggest higher replacement frequency and cost.

Vehicles that use 255/45R17

A sample of recent vehicles whose factory front size is 255/45R17. Sizes can vary by trim, so confirm yours before you buy.

  • 2006 Panoz Esperante
  • 2005 Panoz Esperante
  • 2004 Ferrari 456 M GT
  • 2004 Ferrari 456 M GTA
  • 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL500
  • 2004 Panoz Esperante
  • 2003 Ferrari 456 M GT
  • 2003 Ferrari 456 M GTA
  • 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500
  • 2003 Panoz Esperante
  • 2002 Ferrari 456 M GT
  • 2002 Ferrari 456 M GTA

Showing 12 of the most recent.

Popular brands in 255/45R17

The number beside each brand is how many of its models come in this size.

What 255/45R17 means

255/45R17 designates a tire 255 mm (10.0") wide with a sidewall 45% as tall as it is wide — about 115 mm (4.5") — mounted on a 17-inch wheel. That works out to an overall diameter of roughly 26.0", a circumference of about 81.8", and approximately 775 revolutions per mile. Exact figures vary slightly by manufacturer and tread design.

Of the 8 255/45R17 tire models we track, the most common category is performance all-season (5 models), followed by ultra high performance summer (3) — a good indicator of the kind of vehicles and driving this size is designed for.

Sidewall height
115 mm
Overall diameter
26.0 in
Circumference
81.8 in
Revs per mile
775

Frequently asked questions

What does 255/45R17 mean?

255/45R17 breaks down as follows: 255mm is the tire's section width (the widest point), 45 is the aspect ratio (sidewall height as a percentage of width), R means radial construction, and 17 is the wheel diameter in inches.

What vehicles use 255/45R17 tires?

255/45R17 is a common fitment for vehicles like the 2006 Panoz Esperante, 2005 Panoz Esperante, 2004 Ferrari 456 M GT, 2004 Ferrari 456 M GTA and others. Always confirm your specific trim's fitment before purchasing.

How tall is a 255/45R17 tire?

A 255/45R17 tire has a sidewall height of about 115 mm (4.5") and an overall diameter of roughly 26.0", turning approximately 775 revolutions per mile. Actual dimensions vary slightly by manufacturer and model, so confirm against your vehicle's placard before changing sizes.

255/45R17 research guides

Speed rating chart

A practical chart for common tire speed ratings and what they mean for everyday driving.

Read the guide

Summer vs all-season tires

Where summer tires lose grip, the cold-cracking risk, and what all-season tires trade for their range.

Read the guide

Changing tire size

Plus-sizing and alternate sizes: diameter limits, load and speed ratings, and speedometer error.

Read the guide

Confirm 255/45R17 fits your vehicle

Wheel size can vary by trim and option package. Enter your year, make, model, and trim to verify fitment before you order.

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