CarSpecsHQ

275/60R18 vs 255/65R18

255/65R18 is a safe swap for 275/60R18 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +0.19%.

18" rim
275/60R18 30.99" · 255/65R18 31.05" · drawn to scale

Side by side

275/60R18255/65R18Difference
Overall diameter30.99"31.05"+0.06" (+0.19%)
Section width275 mm255 mm-20 mm
Sidewall6.50"6.53"+0.03"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference97.4"97.6"+0.2"
Revs per mile651650-1
Ride height——+0.03"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.060.1+0.1 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 60.1 mph

With 255/65R18 on a car calibrated for 275/60R18, the speedometer reads 59.9 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 0.2%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph30.1 mph
45 mph45.1 mph
60 mph60.1 mph
70 mph70.1 mph
80 mph80.2 mph

Other sizes close to 275/60R18

Questions

Can I replace 275/60R18 with 255/65R18?

255/65R18 is a safe swap for 275/60R18 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +0.19%.

What's the difference between 275/60R18 and 255/65R18?

255/65R18 is 0.06" taller and 20 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.03". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 60.1 mph.

Will 255/65R18 fit on 275/60R18 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.