CarSpecsHQ

245/40R21 vs 245/45R21

245/45R21 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 245/40R21: the diameter differs by +3.36%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

21" rim
245/40R21 28.72" · 245/45R21 29.68" · drawn to scale

Side by side

245/40R21245/45R21Difference
Overall diameter28.72"29.68"+0.96" (+3.36%)
Section width245 mm245 mm0 mm
Sidewall3.86"4.34"+0.48"
Rim21"21"same
Circumference90.2"93.2"+3.0"
Revs per mile702679-23
Ride height——+0.48"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.0+2.0 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.0 mph

With 245/45R21 on a car calibrated for 245/40R21, the speedometer reads 58.1 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.4%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.0 mph
45 mph46.5 mph
60 mph62.0 mph
70 mph72.4 mph
80 mph82.7 mph

Other sizes close to 245/40R21

Questions

Can I replace 245/40R21 with 245/45R21?

245/45R21 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 245/40R21: the diameter differs by +3.36%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 245/40R21 and 245/45R21?

245/45R21 is 0.96" taller and 0 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.48". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.0 mph.

Will 245/45R21 fit on 245/40R21 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.