CarSpecsHQ

235/40R17 vs 235/45R17

235/45R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 235/40R17: the diameter differs by +3.79%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

17" rim
235/40R17 24.40" · 235/45R17 25.33" · drawn to scale

Side by side

235/40R17235/45R17Difference
Overall diameter24.40"25.33"+0.93" (+3.79%)
Section width235 mm235 mm0 mm
Sidewall3.70"4.16"+0.46"
Rim17"17"same
Circumference76.7"79.6"+2.9"
Revs per mile827796-30
Ride height——+0.46"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.3+2.3 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.3 mph

With 235/45R17 on a car calibrated for 235/40R17, the speedometer reads 57.8 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.8%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.1 mph
45 mph46.7 mph
60 mph62.3 mph
70 mph72.7 mph
80 mph83.0 mph

Other sizes close to 235/40R17

Questions

Can I replace 235/40R17 with 235/45R17?

235/45R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 235/40R17: the diameter differs by +3.79%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 235/40R17 and 235/45R17?

235/45R17 is 0.93" taller and 0 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.46". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.3 mph.

Will 235/45R17 fit on 235/40R17 wheels?

Both use a 17" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 235 mm tire and the fender clearance.