CarSpecsHQ

245/40R17 vs 205/55R17

205/55R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 245/40R17: the diameter differs by +4.70%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

17" rim
245/40R17 24.72" · 205/55R17 25.88" · drawn to scale

Side by side

245/40R17205/55R17Difference
Overall diameter24.72"25.88"+1.16" (+4.70%)
Section width245 mm205 mm-40 mm
Sidewall3.86"4.44"+0.58"
Rim17"17"same
Circumference77.6"81.3"+3.6"
Revs per mile816779-37
Ride height——+0.58"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.8+2.8 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.8 mph

With 205/55R17 on a car calibrated for 245/40R17, the speedometer reads 57.3 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.7%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.4 mph
45 mph47.1 mph
60 mph62.8 mph
70 mph73.3 mph
80 mph83.8 mph

Other sizes close to 245/40R17

Questions

Can I replace 245/40R17 with 205/55R17?

205/55R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 245/40R17: the diameter differs by +4.70%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 245/40R17 and 205/55R17?

205/55R17 is 1.16" taller and 40 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.58". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.8 mph.

Will 205/55R17 fit on 245/40R17 wheels?

Both use a 17" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 205 mm tire and the fender clearance.