CarSpecsHQ

265/35R18 vs 235/45R18

235/45R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 265/35R18: the diameter differs by +4.05%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

18" rim
265/35R18 25.30" · 235/45R18 26.33" · drawn to scale

Side by side

265/35R18235/45R18Difference
Overall diameter25.30"26.33"+1.02" (+4.05%)
Section width265 mm235 mm-30 mm
Sidewall3.65"4.16"+0.51"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference79.5"82.7"+3.2"
Revs per mile797766-31
Ride height——+0.51"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.4+2.4 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.4 mph

With 235/45R18 on a car calibrated for 265/35R18, the speedometer reads 57.7 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.0%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.2 mph
45 mph46.8 mph
60 mph62.4 mph
70 mph72.8 mph
80 mph83.2 mph

Other sizes close to 265/35R18

Questions

Can I replace 265/35R18 with 235/45R18?

235/45R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 265/35R18: the diameter differs by +4.05%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 265/35R18 and 235/45R18?

235/45R18 is 1.02" taller and 30 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.51". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.4 mph.

Will 235/45R18 fit on 265/35R18 wheels?

Both use a 18" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 235 mm tire and the fender clearance.