Tire Size Box

215/70R14 vs 235/70R14

235/70R14 compared with 215/70R14

+4.3% diameter, +0.8" width

235/70R14 is 26.95" tall vs 25.85". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

25.9"14" rim5.9"8.5" wide
215/70R14 (solid) compared with 235/70R14 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 235/70R14 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.6 mph

235/70R14 is +1.10 inches (+4.3%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

215/70R14235/70R14Difference%
Overall diameter25.85"26.95"+1.10"+4.3%
Section width8.46"9.25"+0.79"+9.3%
Sidewall height5.93"6.48"+0.55"+9.3%
Circumference81.21"84.67"+3.46"+4.3%
Revolutions per mile780.2748.3−31.9−4.1%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/70R14 and you fit 235/70R14, 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 mph41.7 mph+1.7 mph
50 mph52.1 mph+2.1 mph
60 mph62.6 mph+2.6 mph
65 mph67.8 mph+2.8 mph
70 mph73.0 mph+3.0 mph
75 mph78.2 mph+3.2 mph
80 mph83.4 mph+3.4 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/70R14 or 235/70R14?
235/70R14 is taller by 1.10 inches (26.95" vs 25.85"). 235/70R14 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 215/70R14 with 235/70R14?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +4.3%, 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 235/70R14 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 235/70R14 fitted (calibrated for 215/70R14), your real speed is 62.6 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 4.3%.
Will 235/70R14 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.55 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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