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Tire Size Comparison

265/65R18 vs 265/65R17

Switching from 265/65R18 to 265/65R17 changes overall diameter by -3.17% (31.56 in → 30.56 in).

-3.17%Borderline — noticeable speedometer/odometer error

Speedometer error

With a speedometer calibrated to 265/65R18, fitting 265/65R17 makes it read as follows:

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h38.7 km/h25 mph24 mph
60 km/h58.1 km/h37 mph36 mph
80 km/h77.5 km/h50 mph48 mph
100 km/h96.8 km/h62 mph60 mph
120 km/h116.2 km/h75 mph72 mph

Full comparison

265/65R18
Overall diameter801.7 mm · 31.56 in
Section width265 mm · 10.43 in
Sidewall height172.3 mm · 6.78 in
Circumference2518.6 mm · 99.2 in
Revolutions per mile639
Revolutions per km397
265/65R17
Overall diameter776.3 mm · 30.56 in
Section width265 mm · 10.43 in
Sidewall height172.3 mm · 6.78 in
Circumference2438.8 mm · 96.0 in
Revolutions per mile660
Revolutions per km410
Original tire
New tire
-3.17%Borderline — noticeable speedometer/odometer error
31.630.6
Original
Overall diameter801.7 mm · 31.56 in
Sidewall height172.3 mm
Circumference2,518.6 mm
Revolutions / mile639
New
Overall diameter776.3 mm · 30.56 in
Sidewall height172.3 mm
Circumference2,438.8 mm
Revolutions / mile659.9
Speedometer & odometer error

The new tire changes overall diameter by -3.17%. 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/h38.7 km/h25 mph24 mph
60 km/h58.1 km/h37 mph36 mph
80 km/h77.5 km/h50 mph48 mph
100 km/h96.8 km/h62 mph60 mph
120 km/h116.2 km/h75 mph72 mph

See individual specs: 265/65R18 · 265/65R17. A change this size can affect ABS/speed calibration — see wheel-speed codes if a light appears.