CarSpecsHQ

255/45R17 vs 215/60R17

215/60R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/45R17: the diameter differs by +4.31%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

17" rim
255/45R17 26.04" · 215/60R17 27.16" · drawn to scale

Side by side

255/45R17215/60R17Difference
Overall diameter26.04"27.16"+1.12" (+4.31%)
Section width255 mm215 mm-40 mm
Sidewall4.52"5.08"+0.56"
Rim17"17"same
Circumference81.8"85.3"+3.5"
Revs per mile775743-32
Ride height——+0.56"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.6+2.6 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.6 mph

With 215/60R17 on a car calibrated for 255/45R17, the speedometer reads 57.5 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.3%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.3 mph
45 mph46.9 mph
60 mph62.6 mph
70 mph73.0 mph
80 mph83.4 mph

Other sizes close to 255/45R17

Questions

Can I replace 255/45R17 with 215/60R17?

215/60R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/45R17: the diameter differs by +4.31%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 255/45R17 and 215/60R17?

215/60R17 is 1.12" taller and 40 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.56". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.6 mph.

Will 215/60R17 fit on 255/45R17 wheels?

Both use a 17" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 215 mm tire and the fender clearance.