235/40R17 vs 215/50R17
215/50R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 235/40R17: the diameter differs by +4.36%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.
Speedometer and odometer
With 215/50R17 on a car calibrated for 235/40R17, the speedometer reads 57.5 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.4%.
| Speedo shows | Actual speed |
|---|---|
| 30 mph | 31.3 mph |
| 45 mph | 47.0 mph |
| 60 mph | 62.6 mph |
| 70 mph | 73.0 mph |
| 80 mph | 83.5 mph |
Other sizes close to 235/40R17
- 235/40R17 vs 225/45R17+2.34%
- 235/40R17 vs 215/45R17+0.89%
- 235/40R17 vs 205/50R17+2.74%
- 235/40R17 vs 235/45R17+3.79%
- 235/40R17 vs 205/45R17-0.56%
- 235/40R17 vs 245/40R17+1.29%
- 235/40R17 vs 255/40R17+2.58%
- 235/40R17 vs 195/55R16+0.18%
- 235/40R17 vs 205/40R17-3.87%
- 235/40R17 vs 205/40R18+0.23%
- 235/40R17 vs 215/40R17-2.58%
Questions
Can I replace 235/40R17 with 215/50R17?
215/50R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 235/40R17: the diameter differs by +4.36%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.
What's the difference between 235/40R17 and 215/50R17?
215/50R17 is 1.06" taller and 20 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.53". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.6 mph.
Will 215/50R17 fit on 235/40R17 wheels?
Both use a 17" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 215 mm tire and the fender clearance.