235/65R16 vs 255/65R16
255/65R16 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 235/65R16: the diameter differs by +3.65%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.
Speedometer and odometer
With 255/65R16 on a car calibrated for 235/65R16, the speedometer reads 57.9 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 | 46.6 mph |
| 60 mph | 62.2 mph |
| 70 mph | 72.6 mph |
| 80 mph | 82.9 mph |
Other sizes close to 235/65R16
- 235/65R16 vs 225/75R16+4.50%
- 235/65R16 vs 235/70R16+3.30%
- 235/65R16 vs 215/65R16-3.65%
- 235/65R16 vs 235/60R17+0.27%
- 235/65R16 vs 215/70R16-0.63%
- 235/65R16 vs 215/65R17-0.08%
- 235/65R16 vs 225/60R16-4.99%
- 235/65R16 vs 225/70R16+1.33%
- 235/65R16 vs 225/65R16-1.83%
- 235/65R16 vs 235/60R16-3.30%
- 235/65R16 vs 195/75R16-1.83%
- 235/65R16 vs 205/70R16-2.60%
Questions
Can I replace 235/65R16 with 255/65R16?
255/65R16 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 235/65R16: the diameter differs by +3.65%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.
What's the difference between 235/65R16 and 255/65R16?
255/65R16 is 1.02" taller and 20 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.51". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.2 mph.
Will 255/65R16 fit on 235/65R16 wheels?
Both use a 16" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 255 mm tire and the fender clearance.