CarSpecsHQ

225/40R18 vs 235/45R18

235/45R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 225/40R18: the diameter differs by +4.94%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

18" rim
225/40R18 25.09" · 235/45R18 26.33" · drawn to scale

Side by side

225/40R18235/45R18Difference
Overall diameter25.09"26.33"+1.24" (+4.94%)
Section width225 mm235 mm+10 mm
Sidewall3.54"4.16"+0.62"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference78.8"82.7"+3.9"
Revs per mile804766-38
Ride height——+0.62"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.063.0+3.0 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 63.0 mph

With 235/45R18 on a car calibrated for 225/40R18, the speedometer reads 57.2 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.9%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.5 mph
45 mph47.2 mph
60 mph63.0 mph
70 mph73.5 mph
80 mph84.0 mph

Other sizes close to 225/40R18

Questions

Can I replace 225/40R18 with 235/45R18?

235/45R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 225/40R18: the diameter differs by +4.94%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 225/40R18 and 235/45R18?

235/45R18 is 1.24" taller and 10 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.62". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 63.0 mph.

Will 235/45R18 fit on 225/40R18 wheels?

Both use a 18" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 235 mm tire and the fender clearance.