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245/40R20 vs 245/45R20

245/45R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 245/40R20: the diameter differs by +3.48%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

20" rim
245/40R20 27.72" · 245/45R20 28.68" · drawn to scale

Side by side

245/40R20245/45R20Difference
Overall diameter27.72"28.68"+0.96" (+3.48%)
Section width245 mm245 mm0 mm
Sidewall3.86"4.34"+0.48"
Rim20"20"same
Circumference87.1"90.1"+3.0"
Revs per mile728703-24
Ride height——+0.48"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.1+2.1 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.1 mph

With 245/45R20 on a car calibrated for 245/40R20, 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 245/40R20

Questions

Can I replace 245/40R20 with 245/45R20?

245/45R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 245/40R20: 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 245/40R20 and 245/45R20?

245/45R20 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 245/45R20 fit on 245/40R20 wheels?

Both use a 20" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 245 mm tire and the fender clearance.