CarSpecsHQ

255/65R18 vs 265/70R18

265/70R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/65R18: the diameter differs by +5.01%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

18" rim
255/65R18 31.05" · 265/70R18 32.61" · drawn to scale

Side by side

255/65R18265/70R18Difference
Overall diameter31.05"32.61"+1.56" (+5.01%)
Section width255 mm265 mm+10 mm
Sidewall6.53"7.30"+0.78"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference97.6"102.4"+4.9"
Revs per mile650619-31
Ride height——+0.78"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.063.0+3.0 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 63.0 mph

With 265/70R18 on a car calibrated for 255/65R18, the speedometer reads 57.1 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 5.0%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.5 mph
45 mph47.3 mph
60 mph63.0 mph
70 mph73.5 mph
80 mph84.0 mph

Other sizes close to 255/65R18

Questions

Can I replace 255/65R18 with 265/70R18?

265/70R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/65R18: the diameter differs by +5.01%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 255/65R18 and 265/70R18?

265/70R18 is 1.56" taller and 10 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.78". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 63.0 mph.

Will 265/70R18 fit on 255/65R18 wheels?

Both use a 18" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 265 mm tire and the fender clearance.