CarSpecsHQ

235/45R18 vs 235/50R18

235/50R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 235/45R18: the diameter differs by +3.51%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

18" rim
235/45R18 26.33" · 235/50R18 27.25" · drawn to scale

Side by side

235/45R18235/50R18Difference
Overall diameter26.33"27.25"+0.93" (+3.51%)
Section width235 mm235 mm0 mm
Sidewall4.16"4.63"+0.46"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference82.7"85.6"+2.9"
Revs per mile766740-26
Ride height——+0.46"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.1+2.1 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.1 mph

With 235/50R18 on a car calibrated for 235/45R18, the speedometer reads 58.0 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.5%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.1 mph
45 mph46.6 mph
60 mph62.1 mph
70 mph72.5 mph
80 mph82.8 mph

Other sizes close to 235/45R18

Questions

Can I replace 235/45R18 with 235/50R18?

235/50R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 235/45R18: the diameter differs by +3.51%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 235/45R18 and 235/50R18?

235/50R18 is 0.93" taller and 0 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.46". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.1 mph.

Will 235/50R18 fit on 235/45R18 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.