CarSpecsHQ

255/70R18 vs 305/60R18

305/60R18 is a safe swap for 255/70R18 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +1.11%.

18" rim
255/70R18 32.06" · 305/60R18 32.41" · drawn to scale

Side by side

255/70R18305/60R18Difference
Overall diameter32.06"32.41"+0.35" (+1.11%)
Section width255 mm305 mm+50 mm
Sidewall7.03"7.20"+0.18"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference100.7"101.8"+1.1"
Revs per mile629622-7
Ride height——+0.18"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.060.7+0.7 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 60.7 mph

With 305/60R18 on a car calibrated for 255/70R18, the speedometer reads 59.3 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 1.1%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph30.3 mph
45 mph45.5 mph
60 mph60.7 mph
70 mph70.8 mph
80 mph80.9 mph

Other sizes close to 255/70R18

Questions

Can I replace 255/70R18 with 305/60R18?

305/60R18 is a safe swap for 255/70R18 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +1.11%.

What's the difference between 255/70R18 and 305/60R18?

305/60R18 is 0.35" taller and 50 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.18". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 60.7 mph.

Will 305/60R18 fit on 255/70R18 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.