245/40R21 vs 255/45R21
255/45R21 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 245/40R21: the diameter differs by +4.59%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.
Speedometer and odometer
With 255/45R21 on a car calibrated for 245/40R21, the speedometer reads 57.4 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.6%.
| Speedo shows | Actual speed |
|---|---|
| 30 mph | 31.4 mph |
| 45 mph | 47.1 mph |
| 60 mph | 62.8 mph |
| 70 mph | 73.2 mph |
| 80 mph | 83.7 mph |
Other sizes close to 245/40R21
- 245/40R21 vs 245/45R20-0.12%
- 245/40R21 vs 275/40R20-0.19%
- 245/40R21 vs 265/40R21+2.19%
- 245/40R21 vs 315/35R20-0.12%
- 245/40R21 vs 275/35R21-0.48%
- 245/40R21 vs 295/35R21+1.44%
- 245/40R21 vs 255/40R21+1.10%
- 245/40R21 vs 265/35R21-1.44%
- 245/40R21 vs 245/35R21-3.36%
- 245/40R21 vs 285/40R21+4.39%
- 245/40R21 vs 285/40R20+0.90%
- 245/40R21 vs 325/30R21-0.14%
Questions
Can I replace 245/40R21 with 255/45R21?
255/45R21 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 245/40R21: the diameter differs by +4.59%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.
What's the difference between 245/40R21 and 255/45R21?
255/45R21 is 1.32" taller and 10 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.66". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.8 mph.
Will 255/45R21 fit on 245/40R21 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.