CarSpecsHQ

235/45R17 vs 255/45R17

255/45R17 is a safe swap for 235/45R17 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +2.80%.

17" rim
235/45R17 25.33" · 255/45R17 26.04" · drawn to scale

Side by side

235/45R17255/45R17Difference
Overall diameter25.33"26.04"+0.71" (+2.80%)
Section width235 mm255 mm+20 mm
Sidewall4.16"4.52"+0.35"
Rim17"17"same
Circumference79.6"81.8"+2.2"
Revs per mile796775-22
Ride height——+0.35"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.061.7+1.7 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 61.7 mph

With 255/45R17 on a car calibrated for 235/45R17, the speedometer reads 58.4 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 2.8%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph30.8 mph
45 mph46.3 mph
60 mph61.7 mph
70 mph72.0 mph
80 mph82.2 mph

Other sizes close to 235/45R17

Questions

Can I replace 235/45R17 with 255/45R17?

255/45R17 is a safe swap for 235/45R17 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +2.80%.

What's the difference between 235/45R17 and 255/45R17?

255/45R17 is 0.71" taller and 20 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.35". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 61.7 mph.

Will 255/45R17 fit on 235/45R17 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.