235/45R18 vs 265/45R18
265/45R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 235/45R18: the diameter differs by +4.04%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.
Speedometer and odometer
With 265/45R18 on a car calibrated for 235/45R18, the speedometer reads 57.7 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.0%.
| Speedo shows | Actual speed |
|---|---|
| 30 mph | 31.2 mph |
| 45 mph | 46.8 mph |
| 60 mph | 62.4 mph |
| 70 mph | 72.8 mph |
| 80 mph | 83.2 mph |
Other sizes close to 235/45R18
- 235/45R18 vs 225/45R18-1.35%
- 235/45R18 vs 245/40R18-2.32%
- 235/45R18 vs 225/40R18-4.71%
- 235/45R18 vs 245/45R18+1.35%
- 235/45R18 vs 235/50R18+3.51%
- 235/45R18 vs 215/55R17-0.06%
- 235/45R18 vs 235/40R18-3.51%
- 235/45R18 vs 225/50R18+2.02%
- 235/45R18 vs 235/40R19+0.28%
- 235/45R18 vs 255/35R18-4.93%
- 235/45R18 vs 255/40R18-1.12%
- 235/45R18 vs 275/35R19+0.96%
Questions
Can I replace 235/45R18 with 265/45R18?
265/45R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 235/45R18: the diameter differs by +4.04%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.
What's the difference between 235/45R18 and 265/45R18?
265/45R18 is 1.06" taller and 30 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.53". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.4 mph.
Will 265/45R18 fit on 235/45R18 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.