CarSpecsHQ

255/60R18 vs 285/60R18

285/60R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/60R18: the diameter differs by +4.72%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

18" rim
255/60R18 30.05" · 285/60R18 31.46" · drawn to scale

Side by side

255/60R18285/60R18Difference
Overall diameter30.05"31.46"+1.42" (+4.72%)
Section width255 mm285 mm+30 mm
Sidewall6.02"6.73"+0.71"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference94.4"98.8"+4.5"
Revs per mile671641-30
Ride height——+0.71"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.8+2.8 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.8 mph

With 285/60R18 on a car calibrated for 255/60R18, the speedometer reads 57.3 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.7%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.4 mph
45 mph47.1 mph
60 mph62.8 mph
70 mph73.3 mph
80 mph83.8 mph

Other sizes close to 255/60R18

Questions

Can I replace 255/60R18 with 285/60R18?

285/60R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/60R18: the diameter differs by +4.72%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 255/60R18 and 285/60R18?

285/60R18 is 1.42" taller and 30 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.71". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.8 mph.

Will 285/60R18 fit on 255/60R18 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.