CarSpecsHQ

255/45R21 vs 295/40R21

295/40R21 is a safe swap for 255/45R21 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +0.85%.

21" rim
255/45R21 30.04" · 295/40R21 30.29" · drawn to scale

Side by side

255/45R21295/40R21Difference
Overall diameter30.04"30.29"+0.26" (+0.85%)
Section width255 mm295 mm+40 mm
Sidewall4.52"4.65"+0.13"
Rim21"21"same
Circumference94.4"95.2"+0.8"
Revs per mile671666-6
Ride height——+0.13"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.060.5+0.5 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 60.5 mph

With 295/40R21 on a car calibrated for 255/45R21, the speedometer reads 59.5 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 0.9%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph30.3 mph
45 mph45.4 mph
60 mph60.5 mph
70 mph70.6 mph
80 mph80.7 mph

Other sizes close to 255/45R21

Questions

Can I replace 255/45R21 with 295/40R21?

295/40R21 is a safe swap for 255/45R21 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +0.85%.

What's the difference between 255/45R21 and 295/40R21?

295/40R21 is 0.26" taller and 40 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.13". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 60.5 mph.

Will 295/40R21 fit on 255/45R21 wheels?

Both use a 21" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 295 mm tire and the fender clearance.