Question 1

Which tire is taller, 275/55 R16 or 235/50 R18?

Accepted Answer

275/55 R16 is taller by 16.7 mm (2.36%) compared with 235/50 R18.

Question 2

What is the diameter difference between 275/55 R16 and 235/50 R18?

Accepted Answer

275/55 R16 measures 709 mm overall diameter, 235/50 R18 measures 692 mm — a difference of 16.7 mm (2.36%).

Question 3

How much speedometer error does this change create?

Accepted Answer

Switching from 275/55 R16 to 235/50 R18 changes the speedometer reading by -2.36%. At an indicated 100 km/h, your true speed becomes about 97.6 km/h.

Question 4

Is 235/50 R18 a safe replacement for 275/55 R16?

Accepted Answer

Within ±3% diameter — generally considered a safe replacement from a speedometer-error standpoint, provided wheel offset, rim width and clearance also match your vehicle.

Question 5

What else should I check before changing tire size?

Accepted Answer

Beyond diameter and speedometer error, verify wheel offset (ET), rim width, hub bore, load index, brake and suspension clearance, and your vehicle's manufacturer specification. Local regulations may also limit how far you can deviate from OEM.

Metric	275/55 R16	235/50 R18	Difference
Overall diameter	708.9 mm	692.2 mm	-16.7 mm (-2.36%)
Sidewall height	151.3 mm	117.5 mm	-33.8 mm
Circumference	2.227 m	2.175 m	-52.5 mm
Revs / km	449.0	459.9	+10.8
Ground clearance	reference	-8.3 mm	-8.3 mm
Speedometer @ 100 km/h	100.0 km/h	97.6 km/h	-2.36 km/h

275/55 R16 vs 235/50 R18

Detailed comparison

Verdict: excellent

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