CarSpecsHQ

245/70R16 vs 215/85R16

215/85R16 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 245/70R16: the diameter differs by +3.00%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

16" rim
245/70R16 29.50" · 215/85R16 30.39" · drawn to scale

Side by side

245/70R16215/85R16Difference
Overall diameter29.50"30.39"+0.89" (+3.00%)
Section width245 mm215 mm-30 mm
Sidewall6.75"7.19"+0.44"
Rim16"16"same
Circumference92.7"95.5"+2.8"
Revs per mile684664-20
Ride height——+0.44"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.061.8+1.8 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 61.8 mph

With 215/85R16 on a car calibrated for 245/70R16, the speedometer reads 58.3 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.0%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph30.9 mph
45 mph46.4 mph
60 mph61.8 mph
70 mph72.1 mph
80 mph82.4 mph

Other sizes close to 245/70R16

Questions

Can I replace 245/70R16 with 215/85R16?

215/85R16 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 245/70R16: the diameter differs by +3.00%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 245/70R16 and 215/85R16?

215/85R16 is 0.89" taller and 30 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.44". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 61.8 mph.

Will 215/85R16 fit on 245/70R16 wheels?

Both use a 16" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 215 mm tire and the fender clearance.