CarSpecsHQ

235/70R16 vs 255/65R16

255/65R16 is a safe swap for 235/70R16 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +0.34%.

16" rim
235/70R16 28.95" · 255/65R16 29.05" · drawn to scale

Side by side

235/70R16255/65R16Difference
Overall diameter28.95"29.05"+0.10" (+0.34%)
Section width235 mm255 mm+20 mm
Sidewall6.48"6.53"+0.05"
Rim16"16"same
Circumference91.0"91.3"+0.3"
Revs per mile697694-2
Ride height——+0.05"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.060.2+0.2 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 60.2 mph

With 255/65R16 on a car calibrated for 235/70R16, the speedometer reads 59.8 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 0.3%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph30.1 mph
45 mph45.2 mph
60 mph60.2 mph
70 mph70.2 mph
80 mph80.3 mph

Other sizes close to 235/70R16

Questions

Can I replace 235/70R16 with 255/65R16?

255/65R16 is a safe swap for 235/70R16 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +0.34%.

What's the difference between 235/70R16 and 255/65R16?

255/65R16 is 0.10" taller and 20 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.05". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 60.2 mph.

Will 255/65R16 fit on 235/70R16 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.