CarSpecsHQ

205/40R18 vs 235/40R18

235/40R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 205/40R18: the diameter differs by +3.86%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

18" rim
205/40R18 24.46" · 235/40R18 25.40" · drawn to scale

Side by side

205/40R18235/40R18Difference
Overall diameter24.46"25.40"+0.94" (+3.86%)
Section width205 mm235 mm+30 mm
Sidewall3.23"3.70"+0.47"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference76.8"79.8"+3.0"
Revs per mile825794-31
Ride height——+0.47"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.3+2.3 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.3 mph

With 235/40R18 on a car calibrated for 205/40R18, the speedometer reads 57.8 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.9%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.2 mph
45 mph46.7 mph
60 mph62.3 mph
70 mph72.7 mph
80 mph83.1 mph

Other sizes close to 205/40R18

Questions

Can I replace 205/40R18 with 235/40R18?

235/40R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 205/40R18: the diameter differs by +3.86%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 205/40R18 and 235/40R18?

235/40R18 is 0.94" taller and 30 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.47". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.3 mph.

Will 235/40R18 fit on 205/40R18 wheels?

Both use a 18" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 235 mm tire and the fender clearance.