CarSpecsHQ

235/45R18 vs 245/50R18

245/50R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 235/45R18: the diameter differs by +5.01%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

18" rim
235/45R18 26.33" · 245/50R18 27.65" · drawn to scale

Side by side

235/45R18245/50R18Difference
Overall diameter26.33"27.65"+1.32" (+5.01%)
Section width235 mm245 mm+10 mm
Sidewall4.16"4.82"+0.66"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference82.7"86.9"+4.1"
Revs per mile766730-37
Ride height——+0.66"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.063.0+3.0 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 63.0 mph

With 245/50R18 on a car calibrated for 235/45R18, the speedometer reads 57.1 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 5.0%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.5 mph
45 mph47.3 mph
60 mph63.0 mph
70 mph73.5 mph
80 mph84.0 mph

Other sizes close to 235/45R18

Questions

Can I replace 235/45R18 with 245/50R18?

245/50R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 235/45R18: the diameter differs by +5.01%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 235/45R18 and 245/50R18?

245/50R18 is 1.32" taller and 10 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.66". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 63.0 mph.

Will 245/50R18 fit on 235/45R18 wheels?

Both use a 18" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 245 mm tire and the fender clearance.