CarSpecsHQ

215/65R17 vs 235/65R17

235/65R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 215/65R17: the diameter differs by +3.66%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

17" rim
215/65R17 28.00" · 235/65R17 29.03" · drawn to scale

Side by side

215/65R17235/65R17Difference
Overall diameter28.00"29.03"+1.02" (+3.66%)
Section width215 mm235 mm+20 mm
Sidewall5.50"6.01"+0.51"
Rim17"17"same
Circumference88.0"91.2"+3.2"
Revs per mile720695-25
Ride height——+0.51"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.2+2.2 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.2 mph

With 235/65R17 on a car calibrated for 215/65R17, the speedometer reads 57.9 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.7%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.1 mph
45 mph46.6 mph
60 mph62.2 mph
70 mph72.6 mph
80 mph82.9 mph

Other sizes close to 215/65R17

Questions

Can I replace 215/65R17 with 235/65R17?

235/65R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 215/65R17: the diameter differs by +3.66%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 215/65R17 and 235/65R17?

235/65R17 is 1.02" taller and 20 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.51". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.2 mph.

Will 235/65R17 fit on 215/65R17 wheels?

Both use a 17" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 235 mm tire and the fender clearance.