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Tire Size Comparison

235/55R18 vs 235/65R17

Switching from 235/55R18 to 235/65R17 changes overall diameter by +3.02% (28.18 in → 29.03 in).

+3.02%Borderline — noticeable speedometer/odometer error

Speedometer error

With a speedometer calibrated to 235/55R18, fitting 235/65R17 makes it read as follows:

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h41.2 km/h25 mph26 mph
60 km/h61.8 km/h37 mph38 mph
80 km/h82.4 km/h50 mph51 mph
100 km/h103.0 km/h62 mph64 mph
120 km/h123.6 km/h75 mph77 mph

Full comparison

235/55R18
Overall diameter715.7 mm · 28.18 in
Section width235 mm · 9.25 in
Sidewall height129.3 mm · 5.09 in
Circumference2248.4 mm · 88.5 in
Revolutions per mile716
Revolutions per km445
235/65R17
Overall diameter737.3 mm · 29.03 in
Section width235 mm · 9.25 in
Sidewall height152.8 mm · 6.01 in
Circumference2316.3 mm · 91.2 in
Revolutions per mile695
Revolutions per km432
Original tire
New tire
+3.02%Borderline — noticeable speedometer/odometer error
28.229
Original
Overall diameter715.7 mm · 28.18 in
Sidewall height129.3 mm
Circumference2,248.4 mm
Revolutions / mile715.8
New
Overall diameter737.3 mm · 29.03 in
Sidewall height152.8 mm
Circumference2,316.3 mm
Revolutions / mile694.8
Speedometer & odometer error

The new tire changes overall diameter by +3.02%. 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/h41.2 km/h25 mph26 mph
60 km/h61.8 km/h37 mph38 mph
80 km/h82.4 km/h50 mph51 mph
100 km/h103 km/h62 mph64 mph
120 km/h123.6 km/h75 mph77 mph

See individual specs: 235/55R18 · 235/65R17. A change this size can affect ABS/speed calibration — see wheel-speed codes if a light appears.