CarSpecsHQ

255/40R17 vs 255/45R17

255/45R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/40R17: the diameter differs by +4.01%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

17" rim
255/40R17 25.03" · 255/45R17 26.04" · drawn to scale

Side by side

255/40R17255/45R17Difference
Overall diameter25.03"26.04"+1.00" (+4.01%)
Section width255 mm255 mm0 mm
Sidewall4.02"4.52"+0.50"
Rim17"17"same
Circumference78.6"81.8"+3.2"
Revs per mile806775-31
Ride height——+0.50"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.4+2.4 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.4 mph

With 255/45R17 on a car calibrated for 255/40R17, 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 255/40R17

Questions

Can I replace 255/40R17 with 255/45R17?

255/45R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/40R17: the diameter differs by +4.01%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 255/40R17 and 255/45R17?

255/45R17 is 1.00" taller and 0 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.50". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.4 mph.

Will 255/45R17 fit on 255/40R17 wheels?

Both use a 17" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 255 mm tire and the fender clearance.