255/45R17 tires
Prices, best picks and current deals for 255/45R17, a performance cars size fitted to Chevrolet Corvette C4, Ford Mustang Cobra R and more.
What 255/45R17 tires cost
Nankang NS-2
Lowest price that still brakes and wears acceptably. Fine for a second car or low annual mileage.
Nitto NT555 G2
The value sweet spot: long mileage warranty, solid wet grip, sane price.
BFGoodrich g-Force Comp-2 A/S Plus
Best wet and snow braking, quietest ride, longest tread life. Worth it if you keep the car.
Prices are per tire, before mounting and balancing, based on what the big US online retailers charge for this size. A set of four in the mid range comes to roughly $620 to $820, and a brand rebate can take another $50 to $110 off, see this month's deals.
About the 255/45R17 size
Front size for the 17 in C4 Corvette, P255/45ZR17 on a 17x8.5 wheel with 285/40ZR17 on the 17x9.5 rear, so the set is staggered and cannot be rotated. It was also the Mustang Cobra R size. Modern availability is good because 255/45R17 is still used by current performance sedans, which makes this one of the easier classic-era sizes to shop, and there are genuine all-season options, something a C4 owner in the north actually wants. No bias or whitewall relevance. Original fitment was a Z-rated Goodyear Eagle; keep to W or Y rated tires and match front and rear models exactly.
The numbers mean: 255 mm section width, sidewall height 45 % of that width, and a 17-inch rim. Overall diameter works out to about 26 inches. Any replacement has to match all three, and the load index and speed rating on your door sticker must be met or exceeded. Our guide on reading a tire size walks through it.
Vehicles that use 255/45R17
- Chevrolet Corvette C4 (1988-1996, 17 in front)
- Ford Mustang Cobra R (1995)
Confirm on the door-jamb sticker before ordering. Optional wheel packages often change the size within the same model.
Which type of 255/45R17 tire?
All-Season Tires
Drivers in the South, West Coast and mild parts of the Midwest who want one set of tires that lasts a long time and is quiet.
Summer Tires
Sports-car and performance-sedan owners, and anyone in a warm climate who wants the best possible grip and steering.
Performance Tires
Owners of sports sedans, hot hatches and performance crossovers who want year-round tires with real handling.
Frequently asked questions
How much do 255/45R17 tires cost?
Expect $120–$150 per tire for a budget brand, $155–$205 for a mid-range tire like the Nitto NT555 G2, and $210–$320 for a premium tire like the BFGoodrich g-Force Comp-2 A/S Plus. Add roughly $15 to $45 per tire for mounting and balancing.
What vehicles use 255/45R17 tires?
255/45R17 is original equipment on Chevrolet Corvette C4 (1988-1996, 17 in front) and Ford Mustang Cobra R (1995), among others. Always confirm with the sticker inside your driver's door, because trim levels and wheel packages can change the size.
What is the best 255/45R17 tire?
For most drivers our mid-range pick, the Nitto NT555 G2, is the sweet spot of price and tread life. If you keep the vehicle a long time or drive in heavy rain and snow, the BFGoodrich g-Force Comp-2 A/S Plus is worth the extra. On a tight budget the Nankang NS-2 is a sound choice.
Can I replace just one or two 255/45R17 tires?
On a front- or rear-wheel-drive car, yes: replace in pairs on the same axle and put the newer pair on the rear. On all-wheel-drive vehicles most makers want all four replaced together, or a new tire shaved to match, because a difference in circumference strains the drivetrain.