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Tire Size Comparison

255/55R18 vs 225/65R17

Switching from 255/55R18 to 225/65R17 changes overall diameter by -1.82% (29.04 in → 28.52 in).

-1.82%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor

Speedometer error

With a speedometer calibrated to 255/55R18, fitting 225/65R17 makes it read as follows:

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h39.3 km/h25 mph24 mph
60 km/h58.9 km/h37 mph37 mph
80 km/h78.5 km/h50 mph49 mph
100 km/h98.2 km/h62 mph61 mph
120 km/h117.8 km/h75 mph73 mph

Full comparison

255/55R18
Overall diameter737.7 mm · 29.04 in
Section width255 mm · 10.04 in
Sidewall height140.3 mm · 5.52 in
Circumference2317.6 mm · 91.2 in
Revolutions per mile694
Revolutions per km431
225/65R17
Overall diameter724.3 mm · 28.52 in
Section width225 mm · 8.86 in
Sidewall height146.3 mm · 5.76 in
Circumference2275.5 mm · 89.6 in
Revolutions per mile707
Revolutions per km439
Original tire
New tire
-1.82%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor
2928.5
Original
Overall diameter737.7 mm · 29.04 in
Sidewall height140.3 mm
Circumference2,317.6 mm
Revolutions / mile694.4
New
Overall diameter724.3 mm · 28.52 in
Sidewall height146.3 mm
Circumference2,275.5 mm
Revolutions / mile707.3
Speedometer & odometer error

The new tire changes overall diameter by -1.82%. 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/h39.3 km/h25 mph24 mph
60 km/h58.9 km/h37 mph37 mph
80 km/h78.5 km/h50 mph49 mph
100 km/h98.2 km/h62 mph61 mph
120 km/h117.8 km/h75 mph73 mph

See individual specs: 255/55R18 · 225/65R17. A change this size can affect ABS/speed calibration — see wheel-speed codes if a light appears.