CarSpecsHQ

255/70R18 vs 285/70R18

285/70R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/70R18: the diameter differs by +5.16%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

18" rim
255/70R18 32.06" · 285/70R18 33.71" · drawn to scale

Side by side

255/70R18285/70R18Difference
Overall diameter32.06"33.71"+1.65" (+5.16%)
Section width255 mm285 mm+30 mm
Sidewall7.03"7.85"+0.83"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference100.7"105.9"+5.2"
Revs per mile629598-31
Ride height——+0.83"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.063.1+3.1 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 63.1 mph

With 285/70R18 on a car calibrated for 255/70R18, the speedometer reads 57.1 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 5.2%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.5 mph
45 mph47.3 mph
60 mph63.1 mph
70 mph73.6 mph
80 mph84.1 mph

Other sizes close to 255/70R18

Questions

Can I replace 255/70R18 with 285/70R18?

285/70R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/70R18: the diameter differs by +5.16%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 255/70R18 and 285/70R18?

285/70R18 is 1.65" taller and 30 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.83". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 63.1 mph.

Will 285/70R18 fit on 255/70R18 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.