CarSpecsHQ

235/40R18 vs 275/40R18

275/40R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 235/40R18: the diameter differs by +4.96%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

18" rim
235/40R18 25.40" · 275/40R18 26.66" · drawn to scale

Side by side

235/40R18275/40R18Difference
Overall diameter25.40"26.66"+1.26" (+4.96%)
Section width235 mm275 mm+40 mm
Sidewall3.70"4.33"+0.63"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference79.8"83.8"+4.0"
Revs per mile794756-38
Ride height——+0.63"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.063.0+3.0 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 63.0 mph

With 275/40R18 on a car calibrated for 235/40R18, the speedometer reads 57.2 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 5.0%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.5 mph
45 mph47.2 mph
60 mph63.0 mph
70 mph73.5 mph
80 mph84.0 mph

Other sizes close to 235/40R18

Questions

Can I replace 235/40R18 with 275/40R18?

275/40R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 235/40R18: the diameter differs by +4.96%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 235/40R18 and 275/40R18?

275/40R18 is 1.26" taller and 40 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.63". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 63.0 mph.

Will 275/40R18 fit on 235/40R18 wheels?

Both use a 18" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 275 mm tire and the fender clearance.