235/40R18 vs 265/40R18
265/40R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 235/40R18: the diameter differs by +3.72%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.
Speedometer and odometer
With 265/40R18 on a car calibrated for 235/40R18, the speedometer reads 57.8 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.7%.
| Speedo shows | Actual speed |
|---|---|
| 30 mph | 31.1 mph |
| 45 mph | 46.7 mph |
| 60 mph | 62.2 mph |
| 70 mph | 72.6 mph |
| 80 mph | 83.0 mph |
Other sizes close to 235/40R18
- 235/40R18 vs 245/40R18+1.24%
- 235/40R18 vs 225/45R18+2.25%
- 235/40R18 vs 225/40R18-1.24%
- 235/40R18 vs 235/45R18+3.64%
- 235/40R18 vs 215/50R17+0.25%
- 235/40R18 vs 235/45R17-0.29%
- 235/40R18 vs 255/35R18-1.47%
- 235/40R18 vs 255/40R18+2.48%
- 235/40R18 vs 235/35R19+0.29%
- 235/40R18 vs 275/35R18+0.70%
- 235/40R18 vs 265/35R18-0.39%
- 235/40R18 vs 275/40R18+4.96%
Questions
Can I replace 235/40R18 with 265/40R18?
265/40R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 235/40R18: the diameter differs by +3.72%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.
What's the difference between 235/40R18 and 265/40R18?
265/40R18 is 0.94" taller and 30 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.47". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.2 mph.
Will 265/40R18 fit on 235/40R18 wheels?
Both use a 18" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 265 mm tire and the fender clearance.