CarSpecsHQ

265/40R18 vs 265/45R18

265/45R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 265/40R18: the diameter differs by +3.96%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

18" rim
265/40R18 26.35" · 265/45R18 27.39" · drawn to scale

Side by side

265/40R18265/45R18Difference
Overall diameter26.35"27.39"+1.04" (+3.96%)
Section width265 mm265 mm0 mm
Sidewall4.17"4.69"+0.52"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference82.8"86.0"+3.3"
Revs per mile765736-29
Ride height——+0.52"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.4+2.4 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.4 mph

With 265/45R18 on a car calibrated for 265/40R18, 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 265/40R18

Questions

Can I replace 265/40R18 with 265/45R18?

265/45R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 265/40R18: the diameter differs by +3.96%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 265/40R18 and 265/45R18?

265/45R18 is 1.04" taller and 0 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.52". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.4 mph.

Will 265/45R18 fit on 265/40R18 wheels?

Both use a 18" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 265 mm tire and the fender clearance.