205/45R16 vs 195/55R16
195/55R16 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 205/45R16: the diameter differs by +5.08%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.
Speedometer and odometer
With 195/55R16 on a car calibrated for 205/45R16, the speedometer reads 57.1 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 5.1%.
| Speedo shows | Actual speed |
|---|---|
| 30 mph | 31.5 mph |
| 45 mph | 47.3 mph |
| 60 mph | 63.0 mph |
| 70 mph | 73.6 mph |
| 80 mph | 84.1 mph |
Other sizes close to 205/45R16
Questions
Can I replace 205/45R16 with 195/55R16?
195/55R16 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 205/45R16: the diameter differs by +5.08%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.
What's the difference between 205/45R16 and 195/55R16?
195/55R16 is 1.18" taller and 10 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.59". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 63.0 mph.
Will 195/55R16 fit on 205/45R16 wheels?
Both use a 16" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 195 mm tire and the fender clearance.