255/65R16 vs 215/85R16
215/85R16 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/65R16: the diameter differs by +4.61%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.
Speedometer and odometer
With 215/85R16 on a car calibrated for 255/65R16, the speedometer reads 57.4 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.6%.
| Speedo shows | Actual speed |
|---|---|
| 30 mph | 31.4 mph |
| 45 mph | 47.1 mph |
| 60 mph | 62.8 mph |
| 70 mph | 73.2 mph |
| 80 mph | 83.7 mph |
Other sizes close to 255/65R16
- 255/65R16 vs 235/65R17-0.08%
- 255/65R16 vs 245/75R16+4.88%
- 255/65R16 vs 225/75R16+0.81%
- 255/65R16 vs 235/70R16-0.34%
- 255/65R16 vs 215/70R16-4.13%
- 255/65R16 vs 235/65R16-3.52%
- 255/65R16 vs 235/75R15-0.60%
- 255/65R16 vs 245/70R16+1.56%
- 255/65R16 vs 225/70R16-2.24%
- 255/65R16 vs 255/70R16+3.46%
- 255/65R16 vs 235/75R16+2.85%
- 255/65R16 vs 255/60R17-0.01%
Questions
Can I replace 255/65R16 with 215/85R16?
215/85R16 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/65R16: the diameter differs by +4.61%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.
What's the difference between 255/65R16 and 215/85R16?
215/85R16 is 1.34" taller and 40 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.67". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.8 mph.
Will 215/85R16 fit on 255/65R16 wheels?
Both use a 16" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 215 mm tire and the fender clearance.