CarSpecsHQ

265/40R18 vs 245/50R18

245/50R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 265/40R18: the diameter differs by +4.93%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

18" rim
265/40R18 26.35" · 245/50R18 27.65" · drawn to scale

Side by side

265/40R18245/50R18Difference
Overall diameter26.35"27.65"+1.30" (+4.93%)
Section width265 mm245 mm-20 mm
Sidewall4.17"4.82"+0.65"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference82.8"86.9"+4.1"
Revs per mile765730-36
Ride height——+0.65"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.063.0+3.0 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 63.0 mph

With 245/50R18 on a car calibrated for 265/40R18, the speedometer reads 57.2 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.9%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.5 mph
45 mph47.2 mph
60 mph63.0 mph
70 mph73.5 mph
80 mph83.9 mph

Other sizes close to 265/40R18

Questions

Can I replace 265/40R18 with 245/50R18?

245/50R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 265/40R18: the diameter differs by +4.93%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 265/40R18 and 245/50R18?

245/50R18 is 1.30" taller and 20 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.65". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 63.0 mph.

Will 245/50R18 fit on 265/40R18 wheels?

Both use a 18" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 245 mm tire and the fender clearance.