Tires are the only thing connecting your 2017 Honda Ridgeline to the road, or the trail. Getting the right size, type, and maintaining them properly isn’t just about performance; it’s about safety, fuel economy, and enjoying your ride to the fullest.
You might be wondering about the stock 2017 Honda Ridgeline tire size, or perhaps you’re eyeing an upgrade for better off-road capability. Maybe you just want to ensure you’re doing everything right to keep your current tires in top shape.
We understand the confusion that can come with tire choices. That’s why we’ve put together this definitive guide. We promise to cut through the jargon and give you practical, expert insights.
From understanding your factory setup to exploring exciting off-road upgrades, essential care tips, and troubleshooting common issues, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to make informed decisions for your Ridgeline!
Understanding Your Stock 2017 Honda Ridgeline Tire Size: The Foundation
Before you even think about upgrading, it’s crucial to know what your Ridgeline came with from the factory. The stock 2017 Honda Ridgeline tire size is engineered to deliver the best balance of ride comfort, handling, fuel efficiency, and safety for everyday driving.
This is your baseline, and understanding it is the first step in any tire-related decision.
Where to Find Your Ridgeline’s Factory Tire Specifications
Honda makes it easy to find this vital information. You don’t need to guess or search online endlessly.
- Driver’s Side Door Jamb Sticker: This is your primary source. Open the driver’s door, and you’ll see a sticker with tire size, recommended cold tire inflation pressures (front and rear), and even the spare tire information.
- Owner’s Manual: Your Ridgeline’s owner’s manual contains a wealth of information, including detailed tire specifications and maintenance schedules. Keep it handy!
- Tire Sidewall: While the sidewall shows the tire’s current size, it won’t tell you the recommended pressure for your specific vehicle. Always refer to the door jamb sticker for pressure.
For most 2017 Honda Ridgeline models, the standard factory tire size is 245/60R18.
Decoding the Tire Size Numbers
Let’s break down what “245/60R18” actually means, as it’s part of any good 2017 Honda Ridgeline tire size guide:
- 245: This is the tire’s width in millimeters, from sidewall to sidewall. So, 245mm wide.
- 60: This is the aspect ratio, indicating the tire’s sidewall height as a percentage of its width. In this case, the sidewall height is 60% of 245mm. A lower number means a shorter sidewall.
- R: This signifies a “radial” construction, which is standard for most modern passenger vehicle tires.
- 18: This is the diameter of the wheel (rim) in inches that the tire is designed to fit. So, an 18-inch wheel.
Understanding these numbers empowers you to make smarter choices, whether you’re replacing stock tires or considering a change.
Upgrading Your 2017 Honda Ridgeline Tire Size for Enhanced Performance & Off-Road Adventures
Many Ridgeline owners, especially those who venture off the beaten path, consider upgrading their 2017 Honda Ridgeline tire size. The benefits can be significant, but it’s crucial to understand the implications.
This section offers key 2017 Honda Ridgeline tire size tips for those looking to enhance their truck’s capabilities.
Benefits of Upgrading Your Tire Size
There are several compelling reasons to consider a larger tire size:
- Increased Ground Clearance: Taller tires lift the entire vehicle, providing more clearance for obstacles on trails. This is a primary benefit for off-roading.
- Improved Traction: Larger tires, especially those with aggressive tread patterns, offer a larger contact patch and more grip on loose or uneven surfaces.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: Let’s be honest, a more aggressive tire and wheel package can dramatically change the look of your Ridgeline, giving it a tougher, more capable stance.
Key Considerations for Larger Tires
Upgrading isn’t as simple as just bolting on bigger tires. You need to think about several factors to avoid common problems with 2017 Honda Ridgeline tire size modifications.
1. Wheel Well Clearance and Rubbing
This is the biggest hurdle. Larger tires can rub against your wheel wells, suspension components, or inner fenders, especially when turning, compressing the suspension, or articulating off-road. You might need:
- Minor Trimming: Sometimes, a small amount of plastic trimming in the wheel well can prevent rubbing.
- Lift Kit: A lift kit is often necessary to provide adequate clearance for significantly larger tires. Even a mild 1.5-2 inch lift can open up many more tire options.
- Wheel Offset: The offset of your wheels plays a huge role. Wheels with a lower (more negative) offset push the tire further out from the vehicle, which can help with inner clearance but might increase rubbing on the fender flares.
2. Speedometer and Odometer Recalibration
When you change your tire’s overall diameter, your vehicle’s speedometer will no longer be accurate. Taller tires mean fewer rotations per mile, so your speedometer will read slower than your actual speed.
- Professional Recalibration: Many shops can recalibrate your speedometer, often through the vehicle’s ECU. This is highly recommended for safety and to keep your odometer accurate.
- GPS Check: Until recalibrated, use a GPS app on your phone to verify your actual speed against your speedometer.
3. Impact on Driving Dynamics and Fuel Economy
Larger, heavier tires can affect:
- Fuel Economy: Expect a decrease in MPG due to increased rolling resistance and unsprung weight.
- Acceleration: Your Ridgeline might feel a bit slower off the line.
- Braking: Heavier tires can slightly increase braking distances.
- Ride Comfort: While some larger tires can offer a smoother ride over bumps due to more sidewall, very aggressive or stiff tires can make the ride harsher.
Popular Upsize Options for the 2017 Ridgeline
Without a lift, many owners find success with tires like 265/60R18 or 255/65R17 (if switching to 17-inch wheels). With a mild lift (1.5-2 inches), options expand significantly, potentially allowing for tires up to 265/65R18 or even 245/70R17.
Always research specific tire models and consult with reputable off-road shops familiar with the Ridgeline platform.
Choosing the Right Tread: Tire Types for Your Ridgeline Adventure
Beyond size, the type of tire you choose for your 2017 Honda Ridgeline tire size decision is critical. Each type is designed for specific conditions and driving styles.
1. All-Season Tires
- Best For: Daily driving, light highway use, climates with mild winters.
- Characteristics: Balanced performance in dry, wet, and light snow conditions. Quiet ride, good fuel economy, long tread life.
- Consideration: Not ideal for serious off-roading or heavy snow.
2. All-Terrain (A/T) Tires
- Best For: A mix of on-road driving and regular off-road excursions (dirt, gravel, moderate rocks).
- Characteristics: More aggressive tread pattern than all-season tires, providing better grip off-road. Still offer decent on-road manners, though often with slightly more road noise and a bit less fuel efficiency.
- Consideration: A popular choice for Ridgeline owners wanting more capability without sacrificing too much daily comfort. Many feature the “three-peak mountain snowflake” symbol for severe winter conditions.
3. Mud-Terrain (M/T) Tires
- Best For: Serious off-road enthusiasts who frequently tackle mud, deep snow, and challenging rocky terrain.
- Characteristics: Very aggressive, large tread blocks with wide voids designed to clear mud and grip uneven surfaces. Excellent off-road traction.
- Consideration: Much noisier on pavement, poorer fuel economy, shorter tread life, and less ideal for wet pavement driving due to reduced contact patch.
Think about your primary use case. Are you mostly on pavement with occasional dirt roads, or are you hitting challenging trails every weekend?
Mastering Your 2017 Honda Ridgeline Tire Size Care Guide: Longevity & Safety
Once you have the right 2017 Honda Ridgeline tire size, keeping them in prime condition is paramount. Proper tire care not only extends their life but also ensures your safety and maintains fuel efficiency. This is where 2017 Honda Ridgeline tire size best practices truly shine.
1. Maintain Correct Tire Pressure
This is arguably the most important aspect of tire care. Your door jamb sticker indicates the recommended cold tire pressure. Check it regularly, at least once a month, and always before long trips.
- Over-inflation: Causes the center of the tread to wear prematurely, reduces traction, and can lead to a harsher ride.
- Under-inflation: Causes the outer edges of the tread to wear, increases rolling resistance (hurting fuel economy), generates excessive heat (a major cause of tire failure), and impairs handling.
- Off-road Considerations: For certain off-road situations (like deep sand), temporarily lowering tire pressure (airing down) can significantly increase traction. Remember to re-inflate to recommended pressures immediately after returning to pavement.
Proper inflation is also key to a sustainable 2017 Honda Ridgeline tire size strategy, as it reduces fuel consumption and prolongs tire life, minimizing waste.
2. Regular Tire Rotation
Tires wear differently depending on their position on your vehicle. Regular rotation (typically every 5,000-7,500 miles, or according to your owner’s manual) ensures even wear across all four tires, maximizing their lifespan.
For the Ridgeline, a “modified X” or “rearward cross” pattern is often recommended for AWD vehicles. Consult your owner’s manual or tire professional for the exact pattern.
3. Wheel Balancing and Alignment
- Wheel Balancing: Ensures the weight of the tire and wheel assembly is evenly distributed. Unbalanced tires cause vibrations, uneven wear, and can damage suspension components. Get them balanced whenever new tires are installed or if you notice vibrations.
- Wheel Alignment: Refers to the angle of your wheels relative to each other and the road. Proper alignment ensures your tires track straight, wear evenly, and your vehicle handles predictably. Misalignment can be caused by hitting potholes or curbs. Get an alignment check if you notice uneven tire wear, your vehicle pulling to one side, or a crooked steering wheel.
4. Visual Inspections and Tread Depth
Make it a habit to visually inspect your tires regularly. Look for:
- Tread Depth: Use a tread depth gauge or the “penny test” (insert a penny head-first into a tread groove; if you can see Lincoln’s entire head, your tread is too shallow). Most states require a minimum of 2/32″ tread depth.
- Uneven Wear: Patterns like feathering, cupping, or excessive wear on one side can indicate alignment issues, improper inflation, or worn suspension components.
- Damage: Look for cuts, cracks, bulges (a sign of internal damage), punctures, or embedded objects.
- Sidewall Cracks: Small cracks can be a sign of aging or sun exposure. Severe cracking means the tire is no longer safe.
Adhering to this 2017 Honda Ridgeline tire size care guide is not just about maintenance; it’s about being a responsible vehicle owner and maximizing your investment in your tires.
Common Problems with 2017 Honda Ridgeline Tire Size Upgrades & Troubleshooting
While upgrading your 2017 Honda Ridgeline tire size can bring significant benefits, it’s not without potential pitfalls. Anticipating and knowing how to address these common problems will save you headaches and ensure a smooth ride.
1. Tire Rubbing and Clearance Issues
As discussed, this is the most frequent issue when going to a larger tire size. Rubbing can occur at full lock (turning the steering wheel all the way), during suspension compression (hitting bumps), or off-road articulation.
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Solution:
- Identify the Rub Point: Turn your wheel to full lock and look for contact points.
- Minor Trimming: Often, plastic fender liners or mud flaps can be trimmed with a utility knife or heat gun.
- Lift Kit: For significant rubbing, a mild lift kit (e.g., 1.5-2 inches) is usually the most effective solution.
- Wheel Offset: Sometimes, wheels with a different offset can either mitigate or exacerbate rubbing. Consult with an expert.
2. Increased Road Noise
Aggressive tread patterns, especially on all-terrain or mud-terrain tires, generate more road noise than standard all-season tires. This is a trade-off for better off-road traction.
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Solution:
- Research Tire Reviews: Before buying, read reviews specific to road noise. Some A/T tires are designed to be quieter than others.
- Insulation: Adding sound deadening material to your Ridgeline’s floor and doors can help reduce cabin noise, but it’s a bigger project.
- Acceptance: For many off-roaders, a bit of hum is simply part of the package.
3. Impact on Fuel Economy
Larger, heavier tires, especially those with aggressive treads, increase rolling resistance and unsprung weight. This almost always leads to a decrease in fuel efficiency.
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Solution:
- Proper Inflation: Always maintain correct tire pressure.
- Driving Habits: Gentle acceleration and anticipation of traffic can help mitigate some of the MPG loss.
- Lightweight Wheels: If possible, choose lighter aftermarket wheels to reduce overall unsprung weight.
- Expectation Management: Understand that this is a common consequence of upgrading.
4. TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) Issues
When you switch to new wheels or tires, your Ridgeline’s TPMS sensors might need to be transferred or replaced. If you get new sensors, they will need to be programmed to your vehicle.
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Solution:
- Professional Installation: Have a reputable tire shop handle the installation of new tires and sensors. They have the tools to program them correctly.
- Sensor Transfer: If using your original wheels, ensure the sensors are carefully transferred to the new tires.
- Recalibration: Sometimes, even with correct sensors, the system needs to be reset or recalibrated after a tire change. Consult your owner’s manual for the procedure or visit a dealership.
Addressing these challenges proactively ensures your 2017 Honda Ridgeline tire size upgrade is a success, not a source of frustration.
DIY or Pro? How to Approach Your 2017 Honda Ridgeline Tire Size Installation
When it comes to your 2017 Honda Ridgeline tire size and maintenance, there are tasks you can confidently tackle yourself and others best left to the professionals. Knowing the difference is a key aspect of how to 2017 Honda Ridgeline tire size effectively and safely.
When to DIY: Basic Tire Maintenance
Many essential tire care tasks are well within the capabilities of a careful DIYer. These are fundamental 2017 Honda Ridgeline tire size best practices:
- Tire Pressure Checks: Absolutely a DIY task. Invest in a good quality tire pressure gauge.
- Visual Inspections: Regularly walk around your truck, checking for wear, damage, and embedded objects.
- Tire Rotations (with caveats): If you have a good floor jack, jack stands, and a torque wrench, you can perform tire rotations. Always follow the correct lifting points and torque specs.
- Changing a Flat Tire: Every Ridgeline owner should know how to do this safely.
Remember, safety first. Always use jack stands when working under your vehicle and ensure the parking brake is engaged.
When to Call a Professional: Complex Tire Services
Some tire-related tasks require specialized equipment and expertise. Don’t hesitate to visit a reputable tire shop or mechanic for these services:
- Tire Mounting and Balancing: Installing new tires onto rims requires a tire mounting machine and a balancing machine. This isn’t a DIY job.
- Wheel Alignment: An alignment rack and specialized computer systems are needed to precisely adjust your Ridgeline’s wheel angles.
- TPMS Sensor Replacement/Programming: While you can buy sensors, programming them to your vehicle often requires dealership-level tools or specific TPMS programming devices.
- Major Tire Repairs: Punctures that are too large, in the sidewall, or near the shoulder of the tire cannot be safely repaired. A professional can assess and perform safe repairs when possible.
- Lift Kit Installation: If you’re going for a significant tire size upgrade requiring a lift, professional installation ensures correct geometry, safety, and proper alignment afterward.
Essential Tools for the DIYer
If you plan to perform basic tire maintenance, here are some tools you’ll need:
- Accurate Tire Pressure Gauge: Digital or high-quality analog.
- Tread Depth Gauge: For precise measurements.
- Floor Jack: A sturdy 2-3 ton jack is suitable for the Ridgeline.
- Jack Stands: Crucial for safety when working under the vehicle. Never rely solely on a jack.
- Lug Wrench or Impact Wrench: For removing and installing lug nuts.
- Torque Wrench: Absolutely essential for tightening lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specified torque (usually around 94-100 ft-lbs for the Ridgeline). This prevents overtightening (which can warp rotors or strip studs) and undertightening (which can lead to loose wheels).
Whether you DIY or go pro, always prioritize safety and ensure the job is done correctly. Your tires are too important to cut corners.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2017 Honda Ridgeline Tire Size
What is the stock tire size for a 2017 Honda Ridgeline?
The standard factory 2017 Honda Ridgeline tire size is 245/60R18. You can confirm this on the sticker located on your driver’s side door jamb.
Can I put larger tires on my 2017 Ridgeline without a lift?
You can often go slightly larger, such as 265/60R18, without a lift kit. However, anything significantly larger will likely require a lift to prevent rubbing during turns or suspension compression. Always test fit or consult a professional to ensure adequate clearance.
Will changing my tire size affect my speedometer?
Yes, changing the overall diameter of your tires will affect your speedometer and odometer accuracy. Taller tires will make your speedometer read slower than your actual speed. It’s recommended to have your speedometer professionally recalibrated after a significant change in tire size.
What are the benefits of upgrading to all-terrain tires for my Ridgeline?
Upgrading to all-terrain (A/T) tires for your 2017 Honda Ridgeline tire size provides improved traction on dirt, gravel, and light off-road trails, better grip in snowy conditions (especially those with the three-peak mountain snowflake rating), and a more aggressive appearance. The trade-offs can be slightly more road noise and a small decrease in fuel economy.
How often should I rotate the tires on my 2017 Honda Ridgeline?
It’s generally recommended to rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or as specified in your Ridgeline’s owner’s manual. Regular rotation ensures even wear across all four tires, extending their lifespan and maintaining balanced handling.
Final Thoughts: Empowering Your Ridgeline’s Journey
Navigating the world of 2017 Honda Ridgeline tire size doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re sticking to stock for daily commutes or eyeing aggressive rubber for weekend trail adventures, the key is informed decision-making.
Remember, your tires are your Ridgeline’s only contact with the ground. Investing in the right size and type, coupled with diligent maintenance, pays dividends in safety, performance, and longevity.
Always prioritize safety, consult your owner’s manual, and don’t hesitate to seek expert advice from reputable tire shops when in doubt. With the right tires and care, your 2017 Honda Ridgeline will continue to be a reliable and capable companion for all your journeys.
Stay safe and stay comfortable out there!
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