CarSpecsHQ

245/40R21 vs 285/40R21

285/40R21 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 245/40R21: the diameter differs by +4.39%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

21" rim
245/40R21 28.72" · 285/40R21 29.98" · drawn to scale

Side by side

245/40R21285/40R21Difference
Overall diameter28.72"29.98"+1.26" (+4.39%)
Section width245 mm285 mm+40 mm
Sidewall3.86"4.49"+0.63"
Rim21"21"same
Circumference90.2"94.2"+4.0"
Revs per mile702673-30
Ride height——+0.63"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.6+2.6 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.6 mph

With 285/40R21 on a car calibrated for 245/40R21, the speedometer reads 57.5 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.4%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.3 mph
45 mph47.0 mph
60 mph62.6 mph
70 mph73.1 mph
80 mph83.5 mph

Other sizes close to 245/40R21

Questions

Can I replace 245/40R21 with 285/40R21?

285/40R21 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 245/40R21: the diameter differs by +4.39%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 245/40R21 and 285/40R21?

285/40R21 is 1.26" taller and 40 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.63". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.6 mph.

Will 285/40R21 fit on 245/40R21 wheels?

Both use a 21" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 285 mm tire and the fender clearance.