CarSpecsHQ

205/40R17 vs 215/45R17

215/45R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 205/40R17: the diameter differs by +4.95%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

17" rim
205/40R17 23.46" · 215/45R17 24.62" · drawn to scale

Side by side

205/40R17215/45R17Difference
Overall diameter23.46"24.62"+1.16" (+4.95%)
Section width205 mm215 mm+10 mm
Sidewall3.23"3.81"+0.58"
Rim17"17"same
Circumference73.7"77.3"+3.6"
Revs per mile860819-41
Ride height——+0.58"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.063.0+3.0 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 63.0 mph

With 215/45R17 on a car calibrated for 205/40R17, the speedometer reads 57.2 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 5.0%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.5 mph
45 mph47.2 mph
60 mph63.0 mph
70 mph73.5 mph
80 mph84.0 mph

Other sizes close to 205/40R17

Questions

Can I replace 205/40R17 with 215/45R17?

215/45R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 205/40R17: the diameter differs by +4.95%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 205/40R17 and 215/45R17?

215/45R17 is 1.16" taller and 10 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.58". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 63.0 mph.

Will 215/45R17 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.