CarSpecsHQ

245/35R21 vs 255/40R21

255/40R21 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 245/35R21: the diameter differs by +4.61%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

21" rim
245/35R21 27.75" · 255/40R21 29.03" · drawn to scale

Side by side

245/35R21255/40R21Difference
Overall diameter27.75"29.03"+1.28" (+4.61%)
Section width245 mm255 mm+10 mm
Sidewall3.38"4.02"+0.64"
Rim21"21"same
Circumference87.2"91.2"+4.0"
Revs per mile727695-32
Ride height——+0.64"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.8+2.8 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.8 mph

With 255/40R21 on a car calibrated for 245/35R21, the speedometer reads 57.4 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.6%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.4 mph
45 mph47.1 mph
60 mph62.8 mph
70 mph73.2 mph
80 mph83.7 mph

Other sizes close to 245/35R21

Questions

Can I replace 245/35R21 with 255/40R21?

255/40R21 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 245/35R21: the diameter differs by +4.61%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 245/35R21 and 255/40R21?

255/40R21 is 1.28" taller and 10 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.64". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.8 mph.

Will 255/40R21 fit on 245/35R21 wheels?

Both use a 21" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 255 mm tire and the fender clearance.