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Tire Size Comparison

235/50R18 vs 255/40R19

Switching from 235/50R18 to 255/40R19 changes overall diameter by -0.81% (27.25 in → 27.03 in).

-0.81%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor

Speedometer error

With a speedometer calibrated to 235/50R18, fitting 255/40R19 makes it read as follows:

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h39.7 km/h25 mph25 mph
60 km/h59.5 km/h37 mph37 mph
80 km/h79.4 km/h50 mph49 mph
100 km/h99.2 km/h62 mph62 mph
120 km/h119.0 km/h75 mph74 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
255/40R19
Overall diameter686.6 mm · 27.03 in
Section width255 mm · 10.04 in
Sidewall height102.0 mm · 4.02 in
Circumference2157.0 mm · 84.9 in
Revolutions per mile746
Revolutions per km464
Original tire
New tire
-0.81%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor
27.327
Original
Overall diameter692.2 mm · 27.25 in
Sidewall height117.5 mm
Circumference2,174.6 mm
Revolutions / mile740.1
New
Overall diameter686.6 mm · 27.03 in
Sidewall height102 mm
Circumference2,157 mm
Revolutions / mile746.1
Speedometer & odometer error

The new tire changes overall diameter by -0.81%. 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/h39.7 km/h25 mph25 mph
60 km/h59.5 km/h37 mph37 mph
80 km/h79.4 km/h50 mph49 mph
100 km/h99.2 km/h62 mph62 mph
120 km/h119 km/h75 mph74 mph

See individual specs: 235/50R18 · 255/40R19. A change this size can affect ABS/speed calibration — see wheel-speed codes if a light appears.