CarSpecsHQ

295/35R18 vs 265/45R18

265/45R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 295/35R18: the diameter differs by +4.82%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

18" rim
295/35R18 26.13" · 265/45R18 27.39" · drawn to scale

Side by side

295/35R18265/45R18Difference
Overall diameter26.13"27.39"+1.26" (+4.82%)
Section width295 mm265 mm-30 mm
Sidewall4.06"4.69"+0.63"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference82.1"86.0"+4.0"
Revs per mile772736-36
Ride height——+0.63"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.9+2.9 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.9 mph

With 265/45R18 on a car calibrated for 295/35R18, the speedometer reads 57.2 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.8%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.4 mph
45 mph47.2 mph
60 mph62.9 mph
70 mph73.4 mph
80 mph83.9 mph

Other sizes close to 295/35R18

Questions

Can I replace 295/35R18 with 265/45R18?

265/45R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 295/35R18: the diameter differs by +4.82%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 295/35R18 and 265/45R18?

265/45R18 is 1.26" taller and 30 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.63". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.9 mph.

Will 265/45R18 fit on 295/35R18 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.