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Tire Size Comparison

235/55R17 vs 235/60R16

Switching from 235/55R17 to 235/60R16 changes overall diameter by -0.28% (27.18 in → 27.10 in).

-0.28%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor

Speedometer error

With a speedometer calibrated to 235/55R17, fitting 235/60R16 makes it read as follows:

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h39.9 km/h25 mph25 mph
60 km/h59.8 km/h37 mph37 mph
80 km/h79.8 km/h50 mph50 mph
100 km/h99.7 km/h62 mph62 mph
120 km/h119.7 km/h75 mph74 mph

Full comparison

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
235/60R16
Overall diameter688.4 mm · 27.10 in
Section width235 mm · 9.25 in
Sidewall height141.0 mm · 5.55 in
Circumference2162.7 mm · 85.1 in
Revolutions per mile744
Revolutions per km462
Original tire
New tire
-0.28%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor
27.227.1
Original
Overall diameter690.3 mm · 27.18 in
Sidewall height129.3 mm
Circumference2,168.6 mm
Revolutions / mile742.1
New
Overall diameter688.4 mm · 27.1 in
Sidewall height141 mm
Circumference2,162.7 mm
Revolutions / mile744.1
Speedometer & odometer error

The new tire changes overall diameter by -0.28%. 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/h39.9 km/h25 mph25 mph
60 km/h59.8 km/h37 mph37 mph
80 km/h79.8 km/h50 mph50 mph
100 km/h99.7 km/h62 mph62 mph
120 km/h119.7 km/h75 mph74 mph

See individual specs: 235/55R17 · 235/60R16. A change this size can affect ABS/speed calibration — see wheel-speed codes if a light appears.