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Tire Size Comparison

215/60R17 vs 235/50R18

Switching from 215/60R17 to 235/50R18 changes overall diameter by +0.35% (27.16 in → 27.25 in).

+0.35%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor

Speedometer error

With a speedometer calibrated to 215/60R17, fitting 235/50R18 makes it read as follows:

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h40.1 km/h25 mph25 mph
60 km/h60.2 km/h37 mph37 mph
80 km/h80.3 km/h50 mph50 mph
100 km/h100.3 km/h62 mph62 mph
120 km/h120.4 km/h75 mph75 mph

Full comparison

215/60R17
Overall diameter689.8 mm · 27.16 in
Section width215 mm · 8.46 in
Sidewall height129.0 mm · 5.08 in
Circumference2167.1 mm · 85.3 in
Revolutions per mile743
Revolutions per km461
235/50R18
Overall diameter692.2 mm · 27.25 in
Section width235 mm · 9.25 in
Sidewall height117.5 mm · 4.63 in
Circumference2174.6 mm · 85.6 in
Revolutions per mile740
Revolutions per km460
Original tire
New tire
+0.35%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor
27.227.3
Original
Overall diameter689.8 mm · 27.16 in
Sidewall height129 mm
Circumference2,167.1 mm
Revolutions / mile742.6
New
Overall diameter692.2 mm · 27.25 in
Sidewall height117.5 mm
Circumference2,174.6 mm
Revolutions / mile740.1
Speedometer & odometer error

The new tire changes overall diameter by +0.35%. With a speedometer calibrated to the original tire, that same percentage is how far the speedometer and odometer read off — a taller tire means your true speed is higher than indicated and the odometer under-counts distance.

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h40.1 km/h25 mph25 mph
60 km/h60.2 km/h37 mph37 mph
80 km/h80.3 km/h50 mph50 mph
100 km/h100.3 km/h62 mph62 mph
120 km/h120.4 km/h75 mph75 mph

See individual specs: 215/60R17 · 235/50R18. A change this size can affect ABS/speed calibration — see wheel-speed codes if a light appears.