CarSpecsHQ

235/65R18 vs 255/65R18

255/65R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 235/65R18: the diameter differs by +3.41%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

18" rim
235/65R18 30.03" · 255/65R18 31.05" · drawn to scale

Side by side

235/65R18255/65R18Difference
Overall diameter30.03"31.05"+1.02" (+3.41%)
Section width235 mm255 mm+20 mm
Sidewall6.01"6.53"+0.51"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference94.3"97.6"+3.2"
Revs per mile672650-22
Ride height——+0.51"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.0+2.0 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.0 mph

With 255/65R18 on a car calibrated for 235/65R18, the speedometer reads 58.0 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.4%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.0 mph
45 mph46.5 mph
60 mph62.0 mph
70 mph72.4 mph
80 mph82.7 mph

Other sizes close to 235/65R18

Questions

Can I replace 235/65R18 with 255/65R18?

255/65R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 235/65R18: the diameter differs by +3.41%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 235/65R18 and 255/65R18?

255/65R18 is 1.02" taller and 20 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.51". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.0 mph.

Will 255/65R18 fit on 235/65R18 wheels?

Both use a 18" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 255 mm tire and the fender clearance.