CarSpecsHQ

255/65R18 vs 285/65R18

285/65R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/65R18: the diameter differs by +4.94%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

18" rim
255/65R18 31.05" · 285/65R18 32.59" · drawn to scale

Side by side

255/65R18285/65R18Difference
Overall diameter31.05"32.59"+1.54" (+4.94%)
Section width255 mm285 mm+30 mm
Sidewall6.53"7.29"+0.77"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference97.6"102.4"+4.8"
Revs per mile650619-31
Ride height——+0.77"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.063.0+3.0 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 63.0 mph

With 285/65R18 on a car calibrated for 255/65R18, the speedometer reads 57.2 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.9%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.5 mph
45 mph47.2 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 285/65R18?

285/65R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/65R18: the diameter differs by +4.94%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 255/65R18 and 285/65R18?

285/65R18 is 1.54" taller and 30 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.77". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 63.0 mph.

Will 285/65R18 fit on 255/65R18 wheels?

Both use a 18" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 285 mm tire and the fender clearance.