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215/40R18 vs 285/35R18

285/35R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 215/40R18: the diameter differs by +4.37%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

18" rim
215/40R18 24.77" · 285/35R18 25.85" · drawn to scale

Side by side

215/40R18285/35R18Difference
Overall diameter24.77"25.85"+1.08" (+4.37%)
Section width215 mm285 mm+70 mm
Sidewall3.39"3.93"+0.54"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference77.8"81.2"+3.4"
Revs per mile814780-34
Ride height——+0.54"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.6+2.6 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.6 mph

With 285/35R18 on a car calibrated for 215/40R18, the speedometer reads 57.5 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.4%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.3 mph
45 mph47.0 mph
60 mph62.6 mph
70 mph73.1 mph
80 mph83.5 mph

Other sizes close to 215/40R18

Questions

Can I replace 215/40R18 with 285/35R18?

285/35R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 215/40R18: the diameter differs by +4.37%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 215/40R18 and 285/35R18?

285/35R18 is 1.08" taller and 70 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.54". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.6 mph.

Will 285/35R18 fit on 215/40R18 wheels?

Both use a 18" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 285 mm tire and the fender clearance.