Tire Size Box

215/70R13 vs 235/70R13

235/70R13 compared with 215/70R13

+4.4% diameter, +0.8" width

235/70R13 is 25.95" tall vs 24.85". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

24.9"13" rim5.9"8.5" wide
215/70R13 (solid) compared with 235/70R13 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 235/70R13 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.7 mph

235/70R13 is +1.10 inches (+4.4%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

215/70R13235/70R13Difference%
Overall diameter24.85"25.95"+1.10"+4.4%
Section width8.46"9.25"+0.79"+9.3%
Sidewall height5.93"6.48"+0.55"+9.3%
Circumference78.07"81.53"+3.46"+4.4%
Revolutions per mile811.6777.1−34.5−4.2%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/70R13 and you fit 235/70R13, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.9 mph+0.9 mph
30 mph31.3 mph+1.3 mph
40 mph41.8 mph+1.8 mph
50 mph52.2 mph+2.2 mph
60 mph62.7 mph+2.7 mph
65 mph67.9 mph+2.9 mph
70 mph73.1 mph+3.1 mph
75 mph78.3 mph+3.3 mph
80 mph83.5 mph+3.5 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/70R13 or 235/70R13?
235/70R13 is taller by 1.10 inches (25.95" vs 24.85"). 235/70R13 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 215/70R13 with 235/70R13?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +4.4%, more than the 3% most shops and makers allow. It will throw off the speedometer and may affect ABS, stability control and clearance.
How much will 235/70R13 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 235/70R13 fitted (calibrated for 215/70R13), your real speed is 62.7 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 4.4%.
Will 235/70R13 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.55 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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