CarSpecsHQ

265/35R18 vs 255/40R18

255/40R18 is a safe swap for 265/35R18 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +2.88%.

18" rim
265/35R18 25.30" · 255/40R18 26.03" · drawn to scale

Side by side

265/35R18255/40R18Difference
Overall diameter25.30"26.03"+0.73" (+2.88%)
Section width265 mm255 mm-10 mm
Sidewall3.65"4.02"+0.36"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference79.5"81.8"+2.3"
Revs per mile797775-22
Ride height——+0.36"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.061.7+1.7 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 61.7 mph

With 255/40R18 on a car calibrated for 265/35R18, the speedometer reads 58.3 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 2.9%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph30.9 mph
45 mph46.3 mph
60 mph61.7 mph
70 mph72.0 mph
80 mph82.3 mph

Other sizes close to 265/35R18

Questions

Can I replace 265/35R18 with 255/40R18?

255/40R18 is a safe swap for 265/35R18 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +2.88%.

What's the difference between 265/35R18 and 255/40R18?

255/40R18 is 0.73" taller and 10 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.36". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 61.7 mph.

Will 255/40R18 fit on 265/35R18 wheels?

Both use a 18" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 255 mm tire and the fender clearance.