CarSpecsHQ

235/65R17 vs 255/65R16

255/65R16 is a safe swap for 235/65R17 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +0.08%.

17" → 16"
235/65R17 29.03" · 255/65R16 29.05" · drawn to scale

Side by side

235/65R17255/65R16Difference
Overall diameter29.03"29.05"+0.02" (+0.08%)
Section width235 mm255 mm+20 mm
Sidewall6.01"6.53"+0.51"
Rim17"16"-1"
Circumference91.2"91.3"+0.1"
Revs per mile695694-1
Ride height——+0.01"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.060.0+0.0 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 60.0 mph

With 255/65R16 on a car calibrated for 235/65R17, the speedometer reads 60.0 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 0.1%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph30.0 mph
45 mph45.0 mph
60 mph60.0 mph
70 mph70.1 mph
80 mph80.1 mph

Other sizes close to 235/65R17

Questions

Can I replace 235/65R17 with 255/65R16?

255/65R16 is a safe swap for 235/65R17 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +0.08%.

What's the difference between 235/65R17 and 255/65R16?

255/65R16 is 0.02" taller and 20 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.51". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 60.0 mph.

Will 255/65R16 fit on 235/65R17 wheels?

No — 235/65R17 needs a 17" wheel and 255/65R16 a 16" wheel. This is a plus/minus-size swap that changes wheels too.