265/75R16 vs 255/85R16
255/85R16 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 265/75R16: the diameter differs by +4.48%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.
Speedometer and odometer
With 255/85R16 on a car calibrated for 265/75R16, the speedometer reads 57.4 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.5%.
| Speedo shows | Actual speed |
|---|---|
| 30 mph | 31.3 mph |
| 45 mph | 47.0 mph |
| 60 mph | 62.7 mph |
| 70 mph | 73.1 mph |
| 80 mph | 83.6 mph |
Other sizes close to 265/75R16
Questions
Can I replace 265/75R16 with 255/85R16?
255/85R16 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 265/75R16: the diameter differs by +4.48%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.
What's the difference between 265/75R16 and 255/85R16?
255/85R16 is 1.42" taller and 10 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.71". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.7 mph.
Will 255/85R16 fit on 265/75R16 wheels?
Both use a 16" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 255 mm tire and the fender clearance.