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Tire Size Comparison

275/70R17 vs 255/70R18

Switching from 275/70R17 to 255/70R18 changes overall diameter by -0.32% (32.16 in → 32.06 in).

-0.32%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor

Speedometer error

With a speedometer calibrated to 275/70R17, fitting 255/70R18 makes it read as follows:

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h39.9 km/h25 mph25 mph
60 km/h59.8 km/h37 mph37 mph
80 km/h79.7 km/h50 mph50 mph
100 km/h99.7 km/h62 mph62 mph
120 km/h119.6 km/h75 mph74 mph

Full comparison

275/70R17
Overall diameter816.8 mm · 32.16 in
Section width275 mm · 10.83 in
Sidewall height192.5 mm · 7.58 in
Circumference2566.1 mm · 101.0 in
Revolutions per mile627
Revolutions per km390
255/70R18
Overall diameter814.2 mm · 32.06 in
Section width255 mm · 10.04 in
Sidewall height178.5 mm · 7.03 in
Circumference2557.9 mm · 100.7 in
Revolutions per mile629
Revolutions per km391
Original tire
New tire
-0.32%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor
32.232.1
Original
Overall diameter816.8 mm · 32.16 in
Sidewall height192.5 mm
Circumference2,566.1 mm
Revolutions / mile627.2
New
Overall diameter814.2 mm · 32.06 in
Sidewall height178.5 mm
Circumference2,557.9 mm
Revolutions / mile629.2
Speedometer & odometer error

The new tire changes overall diameter by -0.32%. 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/h39.9 km/h25 mph25 mph
60 km/h59.8 km/h37 mph37 mph
80 km/h79.7 km/h50 mph50 mph
100 km/h99.7 km/h62 mph62 mph
120 km/h119.6 km/h75 mph74 mph

See individual specs: 275/70R17 · 255/70R18. A change this size can affect ABS/speed calibration — see wheel-speed codes if a light appears.