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Tire Size Comparison

255/45R18 vs 235/55R17

Switching from 255/45R18 to 235/55R17 changes overall diameter by +0.52% (27.04 in → 27.18 in).

+0.52%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor

Speedometer error

With a speedometer calibrated to 255/45R18, fitting 235/55R17 makes it read as follows:

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h40.2 km/h25 mph25 mph
60 km/h60.3 km/h37 mph37 mph
80 km/h80.4 km/h50 mph50 mph
100 km/h100.5 km/h62 mph62 mph
120 km/h120.6 km/h75 mph75 mph

Full comparison

255/45R18
Overall diameter686.7 mm · 27.04 in
Section width255 mm · 10.04 in
Sidewall height114.8 mm · 4.52 in
Circumference2157.3 mm · 84.9 in
Revolutions per mile746
Revolutions per km464
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
Original tire
New tire
+0.52%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor
2727.2
Original
Overall diameter686.7 mm · 27.04 in
Sidewall height114.8 mm
Circumference2,157.3 mm
Revolutions / mile746
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 +0.52%. 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/h40.2 km/h25 mph25 mph
60 km/h60.3 km/h37 mph37 mph
80 km/h80.4 km/h50 mph50 mph
100 km/h100.5 km/h62 mph62 mph
120 km/h120.6 km/h75 mph75 mph

See individual specs: 255/45R18 · 235/55R17. A change this size can affect ABS/speed calibration — see wheel-speed codes if a light appears.