205/40R17 vs 215/40R17
215/40R17 is a safe swap for 205/40R17 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +1.34%.
Speedometer and odometer
With 215/40R17 on a car calibrated for 205/40R17, the speedometer reads 59.2 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 1.3%.
| Speedo shows | Actual speed |
|---|---|
| 30 mph | 30.4 mph |
| 45 mph | 45.6 mph |
| 60 mph | 60.8 mph |
| 70 mph | 70.9 mph |
| 80 mph | 81.1 mph |
Other sizes close to 205/40R17
Questions
Can I replace 205/40R17 with 215/40R17?
215/40R17 is a safe swap for 205/40R17 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +1.34%.
What's the difference between 205/40R17 and 215/40R17?
215/40R17 is 0.31" taller and 10 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.16". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 60.8 mph.
Will 215/40R17 fit on 205/40R17 wheels?
Both use a 17" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 215 mm tire and the fender clearance.