CarSpecsHQ

235/75R16 vs 255/70R16

255/70R16 is a safe swap for 235/75R16 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +0.59%.

16" rim
235/75R16 29.88" · 255/70R16 30.06" · drawn to scale

Side by side

235/75R16255/70R16Difference
Overall diameter29.88"30.06"+0.18" (+0.59%)
Section width235 mm255 mm+20 mm
Sidewall6.94"7.03"+0.09"
Rim16"16"same
Circumference93.9"94.4"+0.6"
Revs per mile675671-4
Ride height——+0.09"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.060.4+0.4 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 60.4 mph

With 255/70R16 on a car calibrated for 235/75R16, the speedometer reads 59.6 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 0.6%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph30.2 mph
45 mph45.3 mph
60 mph60.4 mph
70 mph70.4 mph
80 mph80.5 mph

Other sizes close to 235/75R16

Questions

Can I replace 235/75R16 with 255/70R16?

255/70R16 is a safe swap for 235/75R16 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +0.59%.

What's the difference between 235/75R16 and 255/70R16?

255/70R16 is 0.18" taller and 20 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.09". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 60.4 mph.

Will 255/70R16 fit on 235/75R16 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.