CarSpecsHQ

215/40R18 vs 215/45R18

215/45R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 215/40R18: the diameter differs by +3.42%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

18" rim
215/40R18 24.77" · 215/45R18 25.62" · drawn to scale

Side by side

215/40R18215/45R18Difference
Overall diameter24.77"25.62"+0.85" (+3.42%)
Section width215 mm215 mm0 mm
Sidewall3.39"3.81"+0.42"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference77.8"80.5"+2.7"
Revs per mile814787-27
Ride height——+0.42"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.1+2.1 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.1 mph

With 215/45R18 on a car calibrated for 215/40R18, the speedometer reads 58.0 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.4%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.0 mph
45 mph46.5 mph
60 mph62.1 mph
70 mph72.4 mph
80 mph82.7 mph

Other sizes close to 215/40R18

Questions

Can I replace 215/40R18 with 215/45R18?

215/45R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 215/40R18: the diameter differs by +3.42%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 215/40R18 and 215/45R18?

215/45R18 is 0.85" taller and 0 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.42". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.1 mph.

Will 215/45R18 fit on 215/40R18 wheels?

Both use a 18" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 215 mm tire and the fender clearance.