CarSpecsHQ

255/40R18 vs 295/40R18

295/40R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/40R18: the diameter differs by +4.84%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

18" rim
255/40R18 26.03" · 295/40R18 27.29" · drawn to scale

Side by side

255/40R18295/40R18Difference
Overall diameter26.03"27.29"+1.26" (+4.84%)
Section width255 mm295 mm+40 mm
Sidewall4.02"4.65"+0.63"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference81.8"85.7"+4.0"
Revs per mile775739-36
Ride height——+0.63"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.9+2.9 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.9 mph

With 295/40R18 on a car calibrated for 255/40R18, the speedometer reads 57.2 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.8%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.5 mph
45 mph47.2 mph
60 mph62.9 mph
70 mph73.4 mph
80 mph83.9 mph

Other sizes close to 255/40R18

Questions

Can I replace 255/40R18 with 295/40R18?

295/40R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/40R18: the diameter differs by +4.84%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 255/40R18 and 295/40R18?

295/40R18 is 1.26" taller and 40 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.63". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.9 mph.

Will 295/40R18 fit on 255/40R18 wheels?

Both use a 18" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 295 mm tire and the fender clearance.