CarSpecsHQ

245/45R18 vs 225/55R18

225/55R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 245/45R18: the diameter differs by +3.98%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

18" rim
245/45R18 26.68" · 225/55R18 27.74" · drawn to scale

Side by side

245/45R18225/55R18Difference
Overall diameter26.68"27.74"+1.06" (+3.98%)
Section width245 mm225 mm-20 mm
Sidewall4.34"4.87"+0.53"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference83.8"87.2"+3.3"
Revs per mile756727-29
Ride height——+0.53"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.4+2.4 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.4 mph

With 225/55R18 on a car calibrated for 245/45R18, the speedometer reads 57.7 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.0%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.2 mph
45 mph46.8 mph
60 mph62.4 mph
70 mph72.8 mph
80 mph83.2 mph

Other sizes close to 245/45R18

Questions

Can I replace 245/45R18 with 225/55R18?

225/55R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 245/45R18: the diameter differs by +3.98%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 245/45R18 and 225/55R18?

225/55R18 is 1.06" taller and 20 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.53". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.4 mph.

Will 225/55R18 fit on 245/45R18 wheels?

Both use a 18" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 225 mm tire and the fender clearance.