CarSpecsHQ

255/65R18 vs 275/65R18

275/65R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/65R18: the diameter differs by +3.30%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

18" rim
255/65R18 31.05" · 275/65R18 32.07" · drawn to scale

Side by side

255/65R18275/65R18Difference
Overall diameter31.05"32.07"+1.02" (+3.30%)
Section width255 mm275 mm+20 mm
Sidewall6.53"7.04"+0.51"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference97.6"100.8"+3.2"
Revs per mile650629-21
Ride height——+0.51"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.0+2.0 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.0 mph

With 275/65R18 on a car calibrated for 255/65R18, the speedometer reads 58.1 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.3%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.0 mph
45 mph46.5 mph
60 mph62.0 mph
70 mph72.3 mph
80 mph82.6 mph

Other sizes close to 255/65R18

Questions

Can I replace 255/65R18 with 275/65R18?

275/65R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/65R18: the diameter differs by +3.30%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 255/65R18 and 275/65R18?

275/65R18 is 1.02" taller and 20 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.51". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.0 mph.

Will 275/65R18 fit on 255/65R18 wheels?

Both use a 18" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 275 mm tire and the fender clearance.