CarSpecsHQ

255/65R16 vs 255/70R16

255/70R16 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/65R16: the diameter differs by +3.46%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

16" rim
255/65R16 29.05" · 255/70R16 30.06" · drawn to scale

Side by side

255/65R16255/70R16Difference
Overall diameter29.05"30.06"+1.00" (+3.46%)
Section width255 mm255 mm0 mm
Sidewall6.53"7.03"+0.50"
Rim16"16"same
Circumference91.3"94.4"+3.2"
Revs per mile694671-23
Ride height——+0.50"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.1+2.1 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.1 mph

With 255/70R16 on a car calibrated for 255/65R16, the speedometer reads 58.0 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.5%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.0 mph
45 mph46.6 mph
60 mph62.1 mph
70 mph72.4 mph
80 mph82.8 mph

Other sizes close to 255/65R16

Questions

Can I replace 255/65R16 with 255/70R16?

255/70R16 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/65R16: the diameter differs by +3.46%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 255/65R16 and 255/70R16?

255/70R16 is 1.00" taller and 0 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.50". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.1 mph.

Will 255/70R16 fit on 255/65R16 wheels?

Both use a 16" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 255 mm tire and the fender clearance.