CarSpecsHQ

255/70R16 vs 275/70R16

275/70R16 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/70R16: the diameter differs by +3.67%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

16" rim
255/70R16 30.06" · 275/70R16 31.16" · drawn to scale

Side by side

255/70R16275/70R16Difference
Overall diameter30.06"31.16"+1.10" (+3.67%)
Section width255 mm275 mm+20 mm
Sidewall7.03"7.58"+0.55"
Rim16"16"same
Circumference94.4"97.9"+3.5"
Revs per mile671647-24
Ride height——+0.55"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.2+2.2 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.2 mph

With 275/70R16 on a car calibrated for 255/70R16, the speedometer reads 57.9 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.7%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.1 mph
45 mph46.7 mph
60 mph62.2 mph
70 mph72.6 mph
80 mph82.9 mph

Other sizes close to 255/70R16

Questions

Can I replace 255/70R16 with 275/70R16?

275/70R16 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/70R16: the diameter differs by +3.67%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 255/70R16 and 275/70R16?

275/70R16 is 1.10" taller and 20 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.55". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.2 mph.

Will 275/70R16 fit on 255/70R16 wheels?

Both use a 16" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 275 mm tire and the fender clearance.