CarSpecsHQ

265/35R18 vs 265/40R18

265/40R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 265/35R18: the diameter differs by +4.12%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

18" rim
265/35R18 25.30" · 265/40R18 26.35" · drawn to scale

Side by side

265/35R18265/40R18Difference
Overall diameter25.30"26.35"+1.04" (+4.12%)
Section width265 mm265 mm0 mm
Sidewall3.65"4.17"+0.52"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference79.5"82.8"+3.3"
Revs per mile797765-32
Ride height——+0.52"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.5+2.5 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.5 mph

With 265/40R18 on a car calibrated for 265/35R18, the speedometer reads 57.6 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.1%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.2 mph
45 mph46.9 mph
60 mph62.5 mph
70 mph72.9 mph
80 mph83.3 mph

Other sizes close to 265/35R18

Questions

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

265/40R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 265/35R18: the diameter differs by +4.12%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

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

265/40R18 is 1.04" taller and 0 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.52". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.5 mph.

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

Both use a 18" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 265 mm tire and the fender clearance.