CarSpecsHQ

235/40R17 vs 255/40R17

255/40R17 is a safe swap for 235/40R17 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +2.58%.

17" rim
235/40R17 24.40" · 255/40R17 25.03" · drawn to scale

Side by side

235/40R17255/40R17Difference
Overall diameter24.40"25.03"+0.63" (+2.58%)
Section width235 mm255 mm+20 mm
Sidewall3.70"4.02"+0.31"
Rim17"17"same
Circumference76.7"78.6"+2.0"
Revs per mile827806-21
Ride height——+0.31"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.061.5+1.5 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 61.5 mph

With 255/40R17 on a car calibrated for 235/40R17, the speedometer reads 58.5 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 2.6%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph30.8 mph
45 mph46.2 mph
60 mph61.5 mph
70 mph71.8 mph
80 mph82.1 mph

Other sizes close to 235/40R17

Questions

Can I replace 235/40R17 with 255/40R17?

255/40R17 is a safe swap for 235/40R17 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +2.58%.

What's the difference between 235/40R17 and 255/40R17?

255/40R17 is 0.63" taller and 20 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.31". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 61.5 mph.

Will 255/40R17 fit on 235/40R17 wheels?

Both use a 17" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 255 mm tire and the fender clearance.