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205/40R18 vs 245/40R18

245/40R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 205/40R18: the diameter differs by +5.15%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

18" rim
205/40R18 24.46" · 245/40R18 25.72" · drawn to scale

Side by side

205/40R18245/40R18Difference
Overall diameter24.46"25.72"+1.26" (+5.15%)
Section width205 mm245 mm+40 mm
Sidewall3.23"3.86"+0.63"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference76.8"80.8"+4.0"
Revs per mile825784-40
Ride height——+0.63"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.063.1+3.1 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 63.1 mph

With 245/40R18 on a car calibrated for 205/40R18, the speedometer reads 57.1 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 5.2%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.5 mph
45 mph47.3 mph
60 mph63.1 mph
70 mph73.6 mph
80 mph84.1 mph

Other sizes close to 205/40R18

Questions

Can I replace 205/40R18 with 245/40R18?

245/40R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 205/40R18: the diameter differs by +5.15%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 205/40R18 and 245/40R18?

245/40R18 is 1.26" taller and 40 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.63". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 63.1 mph.

Will 245/40R18 fit on 205/40R18 wheels?

Both use a 18" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 245 mm tire and the fender clearance.