CarSpecsHQ

205/40R18 vs 275/35R18

275/35R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 205/40R18: the diameter differs by +4.59%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

18" rim
205/40R18 24.46" · 275/35R18 25.58" · drawn to scale

Side by side

205/40R18275/35R18Difference
Overall diameter24.46"25.58"+1.12" (+4.59%)
Section width205 mm275 mm+70 mm
Sidewall3.23"3.79"+0.56"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference76.8"80.4"+3.5"
Revs per mile825788-36
Ride height——+0.56"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.8+2.8 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.8 mph

With 275/35R18 on a car calibrated for 205/40R18, the speedometer reads 57.4 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.6%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.4 mph
45 mph47.1 mph
60 mph62.8 mph
70 mph73.2 mph
80 mph83.7 mph

Other sizes close to 205/40R18

Questions

Can I replace 205/40R18 with 275/35R18?

275/35R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 205/40R18: the diameter differs by +4.59%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 205/40R18 and 275/35R18?

275/35R18 is 1.12" taller and 70 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.56". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.8 mph.

Will 275/35R18 fit on 205/40R18 wheels?

Both use a 18" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 275 mm tire and the fender clearance.