CarSpecsHQ

255/35R18 vs 285/35R18

285/35R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/35R18: the diameter differs by +3.30%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

18" rim
255/35R18 25.03" · 285/35R18 25.85" · drawn to scale

Side by side

255/35R18285/35R18Difference
Overall diameter25.03"25.85"+0.83" (+3.30%)
Section width255 mm285 mm+30 mm
Sidewall3.51"3.93"+0.41"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference78.6"81.2"+2.6"
Revs per mile806780-26
Ride height——+0.41"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.0+2.0 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.0 mph

With 285/35R18 on a car calibrated for 255/35R18, the speedometer reads 58.1 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.3%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.0 mph
45 mph46.5 mph
60 mph62.0 mph
70 mph72.3 mph
80 mph82.6 mph

Other sizes close to 255/35R18

Questions

Can I replace 255/35R18 with 285/35R18?

285/35R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/35R18: the diameter differs by +3.30%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 255/35R18 and 285/35R18?

285/35R18 is 0.83" taller and 30 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.41". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.0 mph.

Will 285/35R18 fit on 255/35R18 wheels?

Both use a 18" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 285 mm tire and the fender clearance.