CarSpecsHQ

235/45R17 vs 245/50R17

245/50R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 235/45R17: the diameter differs by +5.21%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

17" rim
235/45R17 25.33" · 245/50R17 26.65" · drawn to scale

Side by side

235/45R17245/50R17Difference
Overall diameter25.33"26.65"+1.32" (+5.21%)
Section width235 mm245 mm+10 mm
Sidewall4.16"4.82"+0.66"
Rim17"17"same
Circumference79.6"83.7"+4.1"
Revs per mile796757-39
Ride height——+0.66"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.063.1+3.1 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 63.1 mph

With 245/50R17 on a car calibrated for 235/45R17, the speedometer reads 57.0 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 5.2%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.6 mph
45 mph47.3 mph
60 mph63.1 mph
70 mph73.6 mph
80 mph84.2 mph

Other sizes close to 235/45R17

Questions

Can I replace 235/45R17 with 245/50R17?

245/50R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 235/45R17: the diameter differs by +5.21%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 235/45R17 and 245/50R17?

245/50R17 is 1.32" taller and 10 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.66". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 63.1 mph.

Will 245/50R17 fit on 235/45R17 wheels?

Both use a 17" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 245 mm tire and the fender clearance.