CarSpecsHQ

255/65R18 vs 305/60R18

305/60R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/65R18: the diameter differs by +4.37%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

18" rim
255/65R18 31.05" · 305/60R18 32.41" · drawn to scale

Side by side

255/65R18305/60R18Difference
Overall diameter31.05"32.41"+1.36" (+4.37%)
Section width255 mm305 mm+50 mm
Sidewall6.53"7.20"+0.68"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference97.6"101.8"+4.3"
Revs per mile650622-27
Ride height——+0.68"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.6+2.6 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.6 mph

With 305/60R18 on a car calibrated for 255/65R18, the speedometer reads 57.5 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.4%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.3 mph
45 mph47.0 mph
60 mph62.6 mph
70 mph73.1 mph
80 mph83.5 mph

Other sizes close to 255/65R18

Questions

Can I replace 255/65R18 with 305/60R18?

305/60R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/65R18: the diameter differs by +4.37%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 255/65R18 and 305/60R18?

305/60R18 is 1.36" taller and 50 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.68". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.6 mph.

Will 305/60R18 fit on 255/65R18 wheels?

Both use a 18" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 305 mm tire and the fender clearance.