Can my car fit different size tires?

Yes, you can often run tires that aren’t the exact original size, but only within manufacturer-approved ranges. Check your owner's manual and consult a tire professional if you’re unsure.

This article explains how tire sizing works, what to check before swapping tires, and practical steps to determine whether a different tire size will fit your vehicle without compromising safety or performance.

Understanding tire size notation

To know which sizes will fit, you must read the numbers on the sidewall. These figures tell you the tire’s width, height, and the diameter of the wheel it is meant to fit.

• P-metric vs LT sizing: P indicates a passenger-car tire; LT indicates a light-truck tire. LT tires generally have higher load capacities and can require stronger rims.


• Width, aspect ratio, and diameter: A size like P215/60R16 means 215 mm wide, a 60% aspect ratio (sidewall height), and a 16-inch wheel diameter.


• Rim diameter and construction: The letter R denotes radial construction; the number after it specifies the wheel diameter the tire is designed to fit.


• Load index and speed rating: These numbers indicate how much weight the tire can carry and the maximum safe speed.


• Plus sizing vs. stock: “Plus sizing” uses larger wheels with lower-profile tires to maintain a similar overall diameter, but it can affect ride quality and clearance.

Note: Always aim for a tire with the same or higher load index and speed rating as the original, and ensure the overall diameter stays within the vehicle manufacturer’s approved range.

What to check before changing tire size

Before swapping tires, assess several key factors to avoid safety, handling, or warranty issues. The following checks help determine whether a different size is appropriate for your vehicle.

• Overall diameter and circumference: Try to keep the change within about ±3% of the stock size to preserve gearing and speedometer accuracy.


• Clearance: Ensure there’s enough space between the tire and fenders, suspension components, and brake calipers, especially during full steering lock and suspension compression.


• Rim width compatibility: Tire width must be compatible with the rim width; mismatches can cause poor handling, uneven wear, or bead seating problems.


• Wheel offset and fit: The wheel’s offset and hub bore must match or be compatible with the vehicle for proper alignment and to prevent rubbing or mounting issues.


• TPMS and ABS: Changing size can affect tire-pressure readings and braking-system calibration; some vehicles may require reprogramming or sensor reinitialization.

If you can’t meet these criteria, stick with the original size or seek guidance from a tire/wheel professional skilled in fitment for your specific model.

Practical options for achieving a different look or performance

There are safe paths to alter appearance or performance while minimizing risk. The following options are commonly used by enthusiasts and automotive professionals.

• Use manufacturer-approved alternative sizes: Many vehicles have a published range of acceptable sizes that won’t affect safety or systems.


• Consult your dealer or tire shop: They can confirm compatibility, adjust TPMS settings, and verify ride and handling after a size change.


• Choose wheels with correct offsets and widths: If you want larger wheels, pick rims that maintain proper clearance and steering geometry.


• Preserve overall diameter: When increasing wheel size, select tires with appropriate profile to keep the overall diameter close to stock.

Bottom line: When in doubt, stick to the manufacturer’s approved sizes or seek professional guidance to protect safety, performance, and warranty coverage.

When to avoid changing tire sizes

There are scenarios where changing sizes is not advisable—particularly on vehicles with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), strict clearance tolerances, or complex electronic calibrations. Always consult the owner’s manual and a qualified technician before proceeding.

Summary

Most cars can accommodate different tire sizes within a defined range, but you must verify overall diameter, clearance, load capacity, and compatibility with electronic systems. Understanding tire sizing notation and consulting professionals helps you make informed choices that preserve safety, accuracy of instrumentation, and ride quality. By sticking to approved sizes or carefully planned alternatives, you protect your vehicle’s performance and longevity.

Can I go from 225 to 235 tires?

Yes, you can likely go from 225 to 235 tires, but you must ensure the new tires are compatible with your existing rims and check your vehicle's specifications, as the change can affect speedometer accuracy, fuel economy, and vehicle handling. The recommended maximum change in tire size is about 3% to avoid potential issues. It is best to consult with a professional mechanic to confirm compatibility and ensure safety before making the switch. 
Before you switch

• Check your rims: Make sure your rims are wide enough to safely accommodate the 235-millimeter tires. The rim width can be a limiting factor. 
• Consult the experts: A professional mechanic can tell you if the size change is safe and compatible with your specific vehicle. 
• Review insurance and warranty: Check with your insurance company, as a change in tire size may be considered a modification that could potentially void your warranty. 

This video explains the factors to consider before switching from 225 to 235 tires: 54sTire BloggerYouTube · Oct 8, 2024
Potential impacts of the change

• Speedometer and odometer: Your speedometer will likely read slightly higher than your actual speed, and your odometer may record slightly more mileage. You may need to adjust your speed or get a recalibration. 
• Vehicle performance: A wider tire can affect handling, steering, and braking. It could also increase wear on your transmission, axles, and other drivetrain components. 
• Tire wear: The new tires may wear unevenly if they are not the correct size for your rims. 
• Fuel economy: A wider tire can potentially decrease your vehicle's fuel efficiency. 
• Clearance: Depending on your vehicle's design, the wider tires could rub against the wheel arch when you are steering or cornering. 

You can watch this video to learn how tire size affects a vehicle's performance: 59sAutoMoto RatingsYouTube · Oct 4, 2025

Can I use different size tires on my car?

No, you should not use different-sized tires on the same axle of your car, and mixing sizes across different axles can also be dangerous and may damage your car. For safety and performance, it is best to use four tires of the same size and type as recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer. Mixing tires can cause problems with handling, braking, and cause damage to your drivetrain.
 
Risks of mixing tires

• Handling and braking: Different tire sizes or tread patterns can cause unstable handling, making it more difficult to control your vehicle. 
• Drivetrain damage: Having different-sized tires, especially on the same axle, can damage your transmission and differential. The system is designed for the wheels to spin at the same rate, and a mismatch can cause it to work harder than intended. 
• Electronic systems: Systems like ABS, traction control, and stability control may not work correctly if the tires have different rolling diameters, as the computer can misinterpret this as a loss of traction. 
• Clearance issues: Larger tires may rub against the vehicle's body, suspension, or other components, leading to damage. 
• Uneven tire wear: Mixing tire sizes can lead to uneven and premature wear on all tires. 

What you can do

• Match all four tires: The safest option is to ensure all four tires are the same size, type, and tread pattern as specified by the manufacturer. 
• If replacing two tires: If you must replace only two tires, put them on the rear axle and ensure they are the same size and type as the current rear tires. 
• Check with a professional: If you want to put a different size tire on your vehicle, consult a mechanic or tire professional to ensure the new tires are compatible and will not cause fitment or safety issues. 
• Consult your manual: Always check your car's owner's manual and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for approved tire sizes. 

Can I fit 275 tires instead of 265?

Yes, you can likely fit 275 tires instead of 265, as it is a common and often safe swap for most vehicles. The 275 is only 10mm wider and slightly taller, which typically fits on the same rim, but you should check your vehicle's specific clearances and consult a tire professional to be certain. 
This video explains the difference between 275 and 265 tires: 1mTire BloggerYouTube · Nov 20, 2023
What to check before switching

• Wheel width: Check your current wheel's specifications to ensure it is compatible with a 275-width tire. The ideal rim width for a 265 tire is often the same as for a 275. 
• Clearance: Measure your wheel well clearance with the current tires to account for the slight increase in width and height. 
• Vehicle specifications: Check your vehicle's recommended tire sizes to ensure the new tires are within the manufacturer's tolerance limits. 
• Load rating: Make sure the 275 tires you choose have the correct load rating for your vehicle. 
• Speedometer accuracy: The speedometer will be slightly off, but this is usually a minimal difference that does not require recalibration. 
• Tire professional: Consult a tire professional, as some shops may refuse to install the tires if they are outside of the manufacturer's recommendation to avoid liability. 

Can I use 245 tires instead of 225?

Yes, 225 and 245 tires can be interchangeable, but it depends on factors like rim width and vehicle clearance, and you will need to check the specific tire size requirements for your vehicle. While the tire diameters are the same, a 245 tire is wider and will have different effects on your speedometer and handling, such as making the speedometer read higher or lower than your actual speed. 
Factors to consider

• Rim width: Your current rims must be wide enough to support a 245 tire. You should check the manufacturer's guidelines to see the approved rim width for a 245 tire. If your rims are too narrow, the 245 tire may bulge or have a poor fit, impacting handling and safety. 
• Wheel clearance: Check if the wider 245 tires will fit in your vehicle's wheel wells. They may rub on the inside of the fender or other parts of the suspension, especially during turns or when hitting bumps. 
• Speedometer and odometer accuracy: The 245 tire's diameter is slightly larger than the 225 tire's diameter, so your speedometer will read a different speed than your actual speed. You may need to reprogram the vehicle's computer to correct this. 
• Handling and ride quality: A wider tire generally provides better grip and stability, especially in dry conditions. However, a 245 tire may have a firmer ride due to lower sidewalls. 
• Load rating: The load index on the 245 tire must meet or exceed the original equipment manufacturer's (OEM) requirements for your vehicle. 
• Fuel efficiency: A wider tire has more rolling resistance, which may decrease fuel efficiency. 

How to determine compatibility

1. Check your current rim's specifications: Find the recommended rim width range for your specific vehicle model and tire size. 
2. Determine the maximum tire width: The 245 tire is 20mm wider than a 225 tire, so check if the 245 tire's width falls within the approved range for your rim width. 
3. Check for potential clearance issues: Measure the distance between the tire and the fender, suspension components, and other parts of the vehicle to ensure the 245 tires won't rub. 
4. Consider the impact on the speedometer: Using a larger tire will make the speedometer read high. You may need to have your vehicle's computer reprogrammed to correct this issue. 
5. Assess the change in ride quality: A wider tire will have a firmer ride, so consider your priorities before making the change.