CarSpecsHQ

245/35R21 vs 245/40R21

245/40R21 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 245/35R21: the diameter differs by +3.48%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

21" rim
245/35R21 27.75" · 245/40R21 28.72" · drawn to scale

Side by side

245/35R21245/40R21Difference
Overall diameter27.75"28.72"+0.96" (+3.48%)
Section width245 mm245 mm0 mm
Sidewall3.38"3.86"+0.48"
Rim21"21"same
Circumference87.2"90.2"+3.0"
Revs per mile727702-24
Ride height——+0.48"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.1+2.1 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.1 mph

With 245/40R21 on a car calibrated for 245/35R21, the speedometer reads 58.0 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.5%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.0 mph
45 mph46.6 mph
60 mph62.1 mph
70 mph72.4 mph
80 mph82.8 mph

Other sizes close to 245/35R21

Questions

Can I replace 245/35R21 with 245/40R21?

245/40R21 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 245/35R21: the diameter differs by +3.48%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 245/35R21 and 245/40R21?

245/40R21 is 0.96" taller and 0 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.48". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.1 mph.

Will 245/40R21 fit on 245/35R21 wheels?

Both use a 21" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 245 mm tire and the fender clearance.