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Tire Size Comparison

235/70R16 vs 255/65R17

Switching from 235/70R16 to 255/65R17 changes overall diameter by +3.79% (28.95 in → 30.05 in).

+3.79%Borderline — noticeable speedometer/odometer error

Speedometer error

With a speedometer calibrated to 235/70R16, fitting 255/65R17 makes it read as follows:

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h41.5 km/h25 mph26 mph
60 km/h62.3 km/h37 mph39 mph
80 km/h83.0 km/h50 mph52 mph
100 km/h103.8 km/h62 mph64 mph
120 km/h124.6 km/h75 mph77 mph

Full comparison

235/70R16
Overall diameter735.4 mm · 28.95 in
Section width235 mm · 9.25 in
Sidewall height164.5 mm · 6.48 in
Circumference2310.3 mm · 91.0 in
Revolutions per mile697
Revolutions per km433
255/65R17
Overall diameter763.3 mm · 30.05 in
Section width255 mm · 10.04 in
Sidewall height165.8 mm · 6.53 in
Circumference2398.0 mm · 94.4 in
Revolutions per mile671
Revolutions per km417
Original tire
New tire
+3.79%Borderline — noticeable speedometer/odometer error
2930.1
Original
Overall diameter735.4 mm · 28.95 in
Sidewall height164.5 mm
Circumference2,310.3 mm
Revolutions / mile696.6
New
Overall diameter763.3 mm · 30.05 in
Sidewall height165.8 mm
Circumference2,398 mm
Revolutions / mile671.1
Speedometer & odometer error

The new tire changes overall diameter by +3.79%. 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/h41.5 km/h25 mph26 mph
60 km/h62.3 km/h37 mph39 mph
80 km/h83 km/h50 mph52 mph
100 km/h103.8 km/h62 mph64 mph
120 km/h124.6 km/h75 mph77 mph

See individual specs: 235/70R16 · 255/65R17. A change this size can affect ABS/speed calibration — see wheel-speed codes if a light appears.