235/45R17 vs 215/55R17
215/55R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 235/45R17: the diameter differs by +3.89%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.
Speedometer and odometer
With 215/55R17 on a car calibrated for 235/45R17, the speedometer reads 57.8 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.9%.
| Speedo shows | Actual speed |
|---|---|
| 30 mph | 31.2 mph |
| 45 mph | 46.7 mph |
| 60 mph | 62.3 mph |
| 70 mph | 72.7 mph |
| 80 mph | 83.1 mph |
Other sizes close to 235/45R17
- 235/45R17 vs 225/45R17-1.40%
- 235/45R17 vs 225/40R18-0.95%
- 235/45R17 vs 225/50R17+2.10%
- 235/45R17 vs 215/45R17-2.80%
- 235/45R17 vs 205/50R17-1.01%
- 235/45R17 vs 235/40R18+0.30%
- 235/45R17 vs 215/50R17+0.54%
- 235/45R17 vs 245/45R17+1.40%
- 235/45R17 vs 215/55R16-0.06%
- 235/45R17 vs 245/40R17-2.41%
- 235/45R17 vs 205/45R17-4.20%
- 235/45R17 vs 275/35R18+0.99%
Questions
Can I replace 235/45R17 with 215/55R17?
215/55R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 235/45R17: the diameter differs by +3.89%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.
What's the difference between 235/45R17 and 215/55R17?
215/55R17 is 0.98" taller and 20 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.49". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.3 mph.
Will 215/55R17 fit on 235/45R17 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.