CarSpecsHQ

255/65R16 vs 235/75R16

235/75R16 is a safe swap for 255/65R16 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +2.85%.

16" rim
255/65R16 29.05" · 235/75R16 29.88" · drawn to scale

Side by side

255/65R16235/75R16Difference
Overall diameter29.05"29.88"+0.83" (+2.85%)
Section width255 mm235 mm-20 mm
Sidewall6.53"6.94"+0.41"
Rim16"16"same
Circumference91.3"93.9"+2.6"
Revs per mile694675-19
Ride height——+0.41"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.061.7+1.7 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 61.7 mph

With 235/75R16 on a car calibrated for 255/65R16, the speedometer reads 58.3 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 2.8%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph30.9 mph
45 mph46.3 mph
60 mph61.7 mph
70 mph72.0 mph
80 mph82.3 mph

Other sizes close to 255/65R16

Questions

Can I replace 255/65R16 with 235/75R16?

235/75R16 is a safe swap for 255/65R16 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +2.85%.

What's the difference between 255/65R16 and 235/75R16?

235/75R16 is 0.83" taller and 20 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.41". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 61.7 mph.

Will 235/75R16 fit on 255/65R16 wheels?

Both use a 16" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 235 mm tire and the fender clearance.