265/35R18 vs 215/50R18
215/50R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 265/35R18: the diameter differs by +4.59%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.
Speedometer and odometer
With 215/50R18 on a car calibrated for 265/35R18, the speedometer reads 57.4 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.6%.
| Speedo shows | Actual speed |
|---|---|
| 30 mph | 31.4 mph |
| 45 mph | 47.1 mph |
| 60 mph | 62.8 mph |
| 70 mph | 73.2 mph |
| 80 mph | 83.7 mph |
Other sizes close to 265/35R18
- 265/35R18 vs 245/40R18+1.63%
- 265/35R18 vs 225/45R18+2.65%
- 265/35R18 vs 225/40R18-0.86%
- 265/35R18 vs 235/45R18+4.05%
- 265/35R18 vs 205/50R17-0.92%
- 265/35R18 vs 235/40R18+0.39%
- 265/35R18 vs 215/50R17+0.64%
- 265/35R18 vs 235/45R17+0.09%
- 265/35R18 vs 255/35R18-1.09%
- 265/35R18 vs 255/40R18+2.88%
- 265/35R18 vs 235/35R19+0.68%
- 265/35R18 vs 275/35R18+1.09%
Questions
Can I replace 265/35R18 with 215/50R18?
215/50R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 265/35R18: the diameter differs by +4.59%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.
What's the difference between 265/35R18 and 215/50R18?
215/50R18 is 1.16" taller and 50 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.58". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.8 mph.
Will 215/50R18 fit on 265/35R18 wheels?
Both use a 18" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 215 mm tire and the fender clearance.