CarSpecsHQ

255/60R18 vs 255/65R18

255/65R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/60R18: the diameter differs by +3.34%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

18" rim
255/60R18 30.05" · 255/65R18 31.05" · drawn to scale

Side by side

255/60R18255/65R18Difference
Overall diameter30.05"31.05"+1.00" (+3.34%)
Section width255 mm255 mm0 mm
Sidewall6.02"6.53"+0.50"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference94.4"97.6"+3.2"
Revs per mile671650-22
Ride height——+0.50"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.0+2.0 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.0 mph

With 255/65R18 on a car calibrated for 255/60R18, 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 mph82.7 mph

Other sizes close to 255/60R18

Questions

Can I replace 255/60R18 with 255/65R18?

255/65R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/60R18: the diameter differs by +3.34%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 255/60R18 and 255/65R18?

255/65R18 is 1.00" taller and 0 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.50". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.0 mph.

Will 255/65R18 fit on 255/60R18 wheels?

Both use a 18" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 255 mm tire and the fender clearance.