-0.27%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor
Speedometer error
With a speedometer calibrated to 235/50R18, fitting 235/55R17 makes it read as follows:
| Speedo shows | True speed | Speedo shows | True speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 km/h | 39.9 km/h | 25 mph | 25 mph |
| 60 km/h | 59.8 km/h | 37 mph | 37 mph |
| 80 km/h | 79.8 km/h | 50 mph | 50 mph |
| 100 km/h | 99.7 km/h | 62 mph | 62 mph |
| 120 km/h | 119.7 km/h | 75 mph | 74 mph |
Full comparison
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
235/55R17
Overall diameter690.3 mm · 27.18 in
Section width235 mm · 9.25 in
Sidewall height129.3 mm · 5.09 in
Circumference2168.6 mm · 85.4 in
Revolutions per mile742
Revolutions per km461
-0.27%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor
Original
Overall diameter692.2 mm · 27.25 in
Sidewall height117.5 mm
Circumference2,174.6 mm
Revolutions / mile740.1
New
Overall diameter690.3 mm · 27.18 in
Sidewall height129.3 mm
Circumference2,168.6 mm
Revolutions / mile742.1
Speedometer & odometer error
The new tire changes overall diameter by -0.27%. 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 | 39.9 km/h | 25 mph | 25 mph |
| 60 km/h | 59.8 km/h | 37 mph | 37 mph |
| 80 km/h | 79.8 km/h | 50 mph | 50 mph |
| 100 km/h | 99.7 km/h | 62 mph | 62 mph |
| 120 km/h | 119.7 km/h | 75 mph | 74 mph |
See individual specs: 235/50R18 · 235/55R17. A change this size can affect ABS/speed calibration — see wheel-speed codes if a light appears.