Tire Scouter

265/40R18 tires

Compare 26 models made in this size across 4 categories, ranked by spec score, then confirm fitment for your vehicle.

Spec scores are estimates from five manufacturer specs, not road tests. How we score

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Our top pick in 265/40R18

Bridgestone Potenza Sport

  • Ultra high performance summer

Best for performance enthusiasts.

The Bridgestone Potenza Sport is designed for drivers who demand top-tier performance in dry and wet conditions.

  • Perfect dry grip score of 10, surpassing the category average of 8.7, ideal for aggressive cornering and high-speed stability.
  • Wet grip rating of 9 is well above the category benchmark of 7.6, offering reliable performance in rainy conditions.
  • Handling score of 10 ensures precise steering response, making it a strong choice for spirited driving.
Full analysis

The highest spec score among ultra high performance summer tires in this size that we have analysis for, the most common category for 265/40R18.

80Strong
None listed
300
AA
Y · 186 mph

Every scale below runs from the lowest to the highest spec score among the 24 scored tires in 265/40R18 (65 to 80).

Best ultra high performance summer tires in 265/40R18

16 models, highest spec score first.

All ultra high performance summer tires

  1. Bridgestone Potenza Sport

    Best for performance enthusiasts.

    80StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    300
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph
    • Perfect dry grip score of 10, surpassing the category average of 8.7, ideal for aggressive cornering and high-speed stability.
    • Wet grip rating of 9 is well above the category benchmark of 7.6, offering reliable performance in rainy conditions.
    • Average comfort and noise levels may deter those seeking a more refined and quiet driving experience.

  2. Hankook Ventus V12 evo2

    Best for wet-weather enthusiasts.

    80StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    320
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph
    • Wet grip score of 9 significantly exceeds the category average of 7.6, making it a strong performer in rainy conditions.
    • Treadlife score of 7.5 is above average for ultra-high performance summer tires, suggesting a longer lifespan than many competitors.
    • The lack of a treadwear warranty may deter buyers seeking guaranteed mileage from their performance tires.

  3. Kumho Ecsta PS91

    Best for enthusiast drivers.

    78StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    260
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph
    • Dry grip and handling scores of 10 — these are at the top of the ultra-high-performance summer category, ideal for spirited driving.
    • Wet grip rating of 9 exceeds the category average of 7.6, providing confidence in rainy conditions.
    • If comfort and noise are top priorities, consider alternatives like the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, which may offer a more refined ride.

  4. Hankook Ventus R-S4

    Best for track-day enthusiasts.

    77StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    200
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph
    • Perfect dry grip score of 10, surpassing the category average of 8.7, making it a strong choice for track enthusiasts.
    • Wet grip rating of 9 is well above the category average of 7.6, providing confidence in wet conditions.
    • No treadwear warranty and a UTQG of 200 mean frequent replacements, increasing the total cost of ownership.
Show 12 more ultra high performance summer tires

  1. Yokohama ADVAN NEOVA AD09

    Best for enthusiast drivers.

    77StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    200
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph

  2. Hankook Ventus S1 AS

    Best for dry road enthusiasts.

    73Strong
    Warranty
    50k mi
    Treadwear
    560
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph

  3. Toyo Proxes Sport A/S

    70Good
    Warranty
    40k mi
    Treadwear
    500
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph

  4. Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02

    Best for wet weather enthusiasts.

    70Good
    Warranty
    30k mi
    Treadwear
    340
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph

  5. Michelin Pilot Super Sport

    Best for performance enthusiasts.

    69Good
    Warranty
    30k mi
    Treadwear
    300
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph

  6. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S

    Best for enthusiast drivers.

    69Good
    Warranty
    30k mi
    Treadwear
    300
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph

  7. Yokohama ADVAN A052

    Best for track enthusiasts.

    68GoodFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    200
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph

  8. Pirelli P Zero System (Collezione)

    Best for enthusiast drivers.

    68GoodFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    140
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph

  9. Bridgestone Potenza RE050A

    Best for enthusiastic drivers.

    68GoodFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    140
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph

  10. Michelin Pilot Sport PS2

    Best for enthusiast drivers.

    65Good
    Warranty
    20k mi
    Treadwear
    220
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph

  11. Yokohama ADVAN Neova AD08 R

    Best for enthusiast drivers.

    69GoodFrom 3 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    55k mi
    Treadwear
    550
    Traction
    Not graded
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph

  12. Nitto NT01

    Best for track enthusiasts.

    Not enough spec data
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    Not graded
    Traction
    Not graded
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph

Best performance all-season tires in 265/40R18

6 models, highest spec score first.

All performance all-season tires

  1. Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus

    Best for high-mileage drivers.

    79Strong
    Warranty
    50k mi
    Treadwear
    560
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph
    • Treadlife score of 9.5 is significantly above the category average, supported by a 50,000-mile warranty.
    • Dry grip and handling both score 8, making it a solid choice for spirited driving in various conditions.
    • Wet grip performance lags slightly behind some competitors, which could be a concern in regions with frequent rain.

  2. Yokohama ADVAN Sport A/S+

    Best for enthusiastic drivers.

    78Strong
    Warranty
    55k mi
    Treadwear
    440
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph
    • Dry grip score of 10 and handling score of 10 — both exceed the ultra-high-performance summer category average of 8.7, making it ideal for spirited driving.
    • Wet grip score of 9 is well above the category average of 7.6, offering confidence in rainy conditions.
    • If noise levels are a primary concern, consider alternatives like the Pirelli P Zero (PZ4) for a quieter ride.

  3. Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+

    Best for rainy climate drivers.

    78Strong
    Warranty
    50k mi
    Treadwear
    500
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    W · 168 mph
    • Wet grip score of 9 significantly exceeds the category average of 7.2, making it a strong performer in rainy conditions.
    • Treadlife rating of 9 aligns well with its 50,000-mile warranty, providing above-average longevity in the performance all-season category.
    • The lower dry grip compared to competitors like the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 may not satisfy drivers who prioritize ultimate dry performance.

  4. Bridgestone Potenza Sport AS

    Best for enthusiast drivers.

    78Strong
    Warranty
    50k mi
    Treadwear
    500
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph
    • Dry grip and handling scores of 10 — this tire excels in providing maximum traction and responsiveness, surpassing the category average of 8.7.
    • Wet grip rating of 9 is well above the category average of 7.6, making it a strong performer in rainy conditions.
    • The firmer ride might not suit drivers who prioritize comfort on daily commutes or long trips.
Show 2 more performance all-season tires

  1. Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4

    Best for enthusiast drivers.

    78Strong
    Warranty
    45k mi
    Treadwear
    540
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph

  2. Falken Azenis FK460 A/S

    Best for enthusiastic drivers.

    72Strong
    Warranty
    50k mi
    Treadwear
    500
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph

Best max performance summer tires in 265/40R18

2 models, highest spec score first.

All max performance summer tires

  1. Sumitomo HTR Z5

    Best for performance enthusiasts.

    80StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    320
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph
    • Dry grip score of 10 and handling score of 10 — both are at the top of the ultra-high-performance summer category.
    • Wet grip rating of 9 surpasses the category average of 7.6, making it a solid choice for wet conditions.
    • Average comfort and noise levels could be a turn-off for those who prioritize a quieter and more comfortable ride.

  2. Toyo Proxes Sport

    Best for wet-weather enthusiasts.

    78StrongFrom 4 of 5 specs
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    240
    Traction
    AA
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph
    • Wet grip score of 9 outshines the category average of 7.9, making it a strong performer in rainy conditions.
    • Dry grip and handling both score 8, aligning well with the needs of spirited drivers looking for responsive performance.
    • With no treadwear warranty and a lower treadwear rating, it's not the best choice for those seeking long-term durability.

Best winter tires in 265/40R18

2 models, highest spec score first.

All winter tires

  1. Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4

    Severe-snow rated

    Best for performance-oriented winter drivers.

    68Good
    Warranty
    30k mi
    Treadwear
    500
    Traction
    A
    Speed rating
    Y · 186 mph
    • Snow traction score of 8 matches the winter category average, ensuring reliable performance in snowy conditions.
    • 30,000-mile treadwear warranty is a significant advantage over many winter tires that offer no mileage guarantee.
    • Limited treadlife compared to category averages — not the best choice for high-mileage winter driving.

  2. Pirelli Winter Sottozero Serie II

    Best for snow-focused drivers.

    Not enough spec data
    Warranty
    None listed
    Treadwear
    Not graded
    Traction
    Not graded
    Speed rating
    V · 149 mph
    • Snow traction score of 8, which is competitive for handling snowy conditions effectively.
    • Comfort score matches the winter category average of 6.2, making it adequate for daily winter driving.
    • The absence of a treadwear warranty and lower wet grip score may not suit drivers in regions with frequent winter rain or slush.

Vehicles that use 265/40R18

A sample of recent vehicles whose factory front size is 265/40R18. Sizes can vary by trim, so confirm yours before you buy.

  • 1999 Shelby Series 1

Popular brands in 265/40R18

The number beside each brand is how many of its models come in this size.

What 265/40R18 means

265/40R18 designates a tire 265 mm (10.4") wide with a sidewall 40% as tall as it is wide — about 106 mm (4.2") — mounted on a 18-inch wheel. That works out to an overall diameter of roughly 26.3", a circumference of about 82.8", and approximately 765 revolutions per mile. Exact figures vary slightly by manufacturer and tread design.

Of the 26 265/40R18 tire models we track, the most common category is ultra high performance summer (16 models), followed by performance all-season (6) — a good indicator of the kind of vehicles and driving this size is designed for.

Sidewall height
106 mm
Overall diameter
26.3 in
Circumference
82.8 in
Revs per mile
765

Frequently asked questions

What does 265/40R18 mean?

265/40R18 breaks down as follows: 265mm is the tire's section width (the widest point), 40 is the aspect ratio (sidewall height as a percentage of width), R means radial construction, and 18 is the wheel diameter in inches.

What vehicles use 265/40R18 tires?

265/40R18 is a common fitment for vehicles like the 1999 Shelby Series 1. Always confirm your specific trim's fitment before purchasing.

How tall is a 265/40R18 tire?

A 265/40R18 tire has a sidewall height of about 106 mm (4.2") and an overall diameter of roughly 26.3", turning approximately 765 revolutions per mile. Actual dimensions vary slightly by manufacturer and model, so confirm against your vehicle's placard before changing sizes.

265/40R18 research guides

Summer vs all-season tires

Where summer tires lose grip, the cold-cracking risk, and what all-season tires trade for their range.

Read the guide

Speed rating chart

A practical chart for common tire speed ratings and what they mean for everyday driving.

Read the guide

Changing tire size

Plus-sizing and alternate sizes: diameter limits, load and speed ratings, and speedometer error.

Read the guide

Confirm 265/40R18 fits your vehicle

Wheel size can vary by trim and option package. Enter your year, make, model, and trim to verify fitment before you order.

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