CarSpecsHQ

215/40R18 vs 275/35R18

275/35R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 215/40R18: the diameter differs by +3.26%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

18" rim
215/40R18 24.77" · 275/35R18 25.58" · drawn to scale

Side by side

215/40R18275/35R18Difference
Overall diameter24.77"25.58"+0.81" (+3.26%)
Section width215 mm275 mm+60 mm
Sidewall3.39"3.79"+0.40"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference77.8"80.4"+2.5"
Revs per mile814788-26
Ride height——+0.40"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.0+2.0 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.0 mph

With 275/35R18 on a car calibrated for 215/40R18, the speedometer reads 58.1 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.3%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.0 mph
45 mph46.5 mph
60 mph62.0 mph
70 mph72.3 mph
80 mph82.6 mph

Other sizes close to 215/40R18

Questions

Can I replace 215/40R18 with 275/35R18?

275/35R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 215/40R18: the diameter differs by +3.26%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 215/40R18 and 275/35R18?

275/35R18 is 0.81" taller and 60 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.40". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.0 mph.

Will 275/35R18 fit on 215/40R18 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.