-1.77%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor
Speedometer error
With a speedometer calibrated to 225/50R17, fitting 235/40R18 makes it read as follows:
| Speedo shows | True speed | Speedo shows | True speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 km/h | 39.3 km/h | 25 mph | 24 mph |
| 60 km/h | 58.9 km/h | 37 mph | 37 mph |
| 80 km/h | 78.6 km/h | 50 mph | 49 mph |
| 100 km/h | 98.2 km/h | 62 mph | 61 mph |
| 120 km/h | 117.9 km/h | 75 mph | 73 mph |
Full comparison
225/50R17
Overall diameter656.8 mm · 25.86 in
Section width225 mm · 8.86 in
Sidewall height112.5 mm · 4.43 in
Circumference2063.4 mm · 81.2 in
Revolutions per mile780
Revolutions per km485
235/40R18
Overall diameter645.2 mm · 25.40 in
Section width235 mm · 9.25 in
Sidewall height94.0 mm · 3.70 in
Circumference2027.0 mm · 79.8 in
Revolutions per mile794
Revolutions per km493
-1.77%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor
Original
Overall diameter656.8 mm · 25.86 in
Sidewall height112.5 mm
Circumference2,063.4 mm
Revolutions / mile779.9
New
Overall diameter645.2 mm · 25.4 in
Sidewall height94 mm
Circumference2,027 mm
Revolutions / mile794
Speedometer & odometer error
The new tire changes overall diameter by -1.77%. 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 shows | True speed | Speedo shows | True speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 km/h | 39.3 km/h | 25 mph | 24 mph |
| 60 km/h | 58.9 km/h | 37 mph | 37 mph |
| 80 km/h | 78.6 km/h | 50 mph | 49 mph |
| 100 km/h | 98.2 km/h | 62 mph | 61 mph |
| 120 km/h | 117.9 km/h | 75 mph | 73 mph |
See individual specs: 225/50R17 · 235/40R18. A change this size can affect ABS/speed calibration — see wheel-speed codes if a light appears.