255/70R18 vs 265/70R17Tire Size Comparison

Safe

The 1.4% diameter difference is within the accepted 3% tolerance.

255/70R18814mm dia265/70R17803mm dia-5.7mm

Comparison Details

Overall Diameter814.2 vs 802.8 mm (-11.4 mm)
Diameter Difference-1.40%
Section Width255 vs 265 mm (+10 mm)
Sidewall Height178.5 vs 185.5 mm (+7.0 mm)
Circumference2557.9 vs 2522.1 mm
Clearance Change-5.7 mm
Speedometer Error-1.40%
Revs/Mile629 vs 638

Speedometer Correction

When switching from 255/70R18 to 265/70R17, your speedometer will differ from actual speed.

SpeedometerActual SpeedDifference
30 km/h29.6 km/h-0.4 km/h
40 km/h39.4 km/h-0.6 km/h
50 km/h49.3 km/h-0.7 km/h
60 km/h59.2 km/h-0.8 km/h
70 km/h69.0 km/h-1.0 km/h
80 km/h78.9 km/h-1.1 km/h
90 km/h88.7 km/h-1.3 km/h
100 km/h98.6 km/h-1.4 km/h
110 km/h108.5 km/h-1.5 km/h
120 km/h118.3 km/h-1.7 km/h
130 km/h128.2 km/h-1.8 km/h

Vehicles Using These Sizes

Vehicles with 255/70R18

Vehicles with 265/70R17

Individual Tire Size Details

Practical Guidance

Switching from 255/70R18 to 265/70R17 is within the industry-accepted 3% diameter tolerance. Your speedometer, ABS, and traction control should function normally. Note: these sizes require different rim diameters (18" vs 17"), so you will need different wheels.

The 3% diameter tolerance is a widely accepted industry guideline referenced by the ETRTO and most vehicle manufacturers. When in doubt, consult your vehicle's owner's manual or a qualified tire professional. For U.S. tire safety standards and recalls, see the NHTSA Tire Safety page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Safe. The overall diameter differs by -1.40%, width changes by 10mm.

Speedometer error will be -1.40%. At an indicated 100 km/h, actual speed is about 98.6 km/h.

Ground clearance changes by -5.7mm per side.