235/70R16 vs 215/85R16
215/85R16 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 235/70R16: the diameter differs by +4.96%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.
Speedometer and odometer
With 215/85R16 on a car calibrated for 235/70R16, the speedometer reads 57.2 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 5.0%.
| Speedo shows | Actual speed |
|---|---|
| 30 mph | 31.5 mph |
| 45 mph | 47.2 mph |
| 60 mph | 63.0 mph |
| 70 mph | 73.5 mph |
| 80 mph | 84.0 mph |
Other sizes close to 235/70R16
- 235/70R16 vs 235/65R17+0.26%
- 235/70R16 vs 225/75R16+1.16%
- 235/70R16 vs 215/70R16-3.81%
- 235/70R16 vs 235/65R16-3.20%
- 235/70R16 vs 235/75R15-0.26%
- 235/70R16 vs 245/70R16+1.90%
- 235/70R16 vs 225/70R16-1.90%
- 235/70R16 vs 255/70R16+3.81%
- 235/70R16 vs 225/65R16-4.96%
- 235/70R16 vs 235/75R16+3.20%
- 235/70R16 vs 255/65R16+0.34%
- 235/70R16 vs 195/75R16-4.96%
Questions
Can I replace 235/70R16 with 215/85R16?
215/85R16 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 235/70R16: the diameter differs by +4.96%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.
What's the difference between 235/70R16 and 215/85R16?
215/85R16 is 1.44" taller and 20 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.72". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 63.0 mph.
Will 215/85R16 fit on 235/70R16 wheels?
Both use a 16" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 215 mm tire and the fender clearance.