CarSpecsHQ

225/45R18 vs 255/45R18

255/45R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 225/45R18: the diameter differs by +4.09%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

18" rim
225/45R18 25.97" · 255/45R18 27.04" · drawn to scale

Side by side

225/45R18255/45R18Difference
Overall diameter25.97"27.04"+1.06" (+4.09%)
Section width225 mm255 mm+30 mm
Sidewall3.99"4.52"+0.53"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference81.6"84.9"+3.3"
Revs per mile777746-31
Ride height——+0.53"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.5+2.5 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.5 mph

With 255/45R18 on a car calibrated for 225/45R18, the speedometer reads 57.6 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.1%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.2 mph
45 mph46.8 mph
60 mph62.5 mph
70 mph72.9 mph
80 mph83.3 mph

Other sizes close to 225/45R18

Questions

Can I replace 225/45R18 with 255/45R18?

255/45R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 225/45R18: the diameter differs by +4.09%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 225/45R18 and 255/45R18?

255/45R18 is 1.06" taller and 30 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.53". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.5 mph.

Will 255/45R18 fit on 225/45R18 wheels?

Both use a 18" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 255 mm tire and the fender clearance.