CarSpecsHQ

215/40R18 vs 225/45R18

225/45R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 215/40R18: the diameter differs by +4.85%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

18" rim
215/40R18 24.77" · 225/45R18 25.97" · drawn to scale

Side by side

215/40R18225/45R18Difference
Overall diameter24.77"25.97"+1.20" (+4.85%)
Section width215 mm225 mm+10 mm
Sidewall3.39"3.99"+0.60"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference77.8"81.6"+3.8"
Revs per mile814777-38
Ride height——+0.60"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.9+2.9 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.9 mph

With 225/45R18 on a car calibrated for 215/40R18, the speedometer reads 57.2 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.8%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.5 mph
45 mph47.2 mph
60 mph62.9 mph
70 mph73.4 mph
80 mph83.9 mph

Other sizes close to 215/40R18

Questions

Can I replace 215/40R18 with 225/45R18?

225/45R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 215/40R18: the diameter differs by +4.85%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 215/40R18 and 225/45R18?

225/45R18 is 1.20" taller and 10 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.60". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.9 mph.

Will 225/45R18 fit on 215/40R18 wheels?

Both use a 18" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 225 mm tire and the fender clearance.