CarSpecsHQ

215/50R18 vs 245/50R18

245/50R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 215/50R18: the diameter differs by +4.46%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

18" rim
215/50R18 26.46" · 245/50R18 27.65" · drawn to scale

Side by side

215/50R18245/50R18Difference
Overall diameter26.46"27.65"+1.18" (+4.46%)
Section width215 mm245 mm+30 mm
Sidewall4.23"4.82"+0.59"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference83.1"86.9"+3.7"
Revs per mile762730-33
Ride height——+0.59"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.7+2.7 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.7 mph

With 245/50R18 on a car calibrated for 215/50R18, the speedometer reads 57.4 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.5%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.3 mph
45 mph47.0 mph
60 mph62.7 mph
70 mph73.1 mph
80 mph83.6 mph

Other sizes close to 215/50R18

Questions

Can I replace 215/50R18 with 245/50R18?

245/50R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 215/50R18: the diameter differs by +4.46%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 215/50R18 and 245/50R18?

245/50R18 is 1.18" taller and 30 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.59". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.7 mph.

Will 245/50R18 fit on 215/50R18 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.