CarSpecsHQ

285/40R21 vs 285/45R21

285/45R21 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 285/40R21: the diameter differs by +3.74%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

21" rim
285/40R21 29.98" · 285/45R21 31.10" · drawn to scale

Side by side

285/40R21285/45R21Difference
Overall diameter29.98"31.10"+1.12" (+3.74%)
Section width285 mm285 mm0 mm
Sidewall4.49"5.05"+0.56"
Rim21"21"same
Circumference94.2"97.7"+3.5"
Revs per mile673649-24
Ride height——+0.56"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.2+2.2 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.2 mph

With 285/45R21 on a car calibrated for 285/40R21, the speedometer reads 57.8 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.7%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.1 mph
45 mph46.7 mph
60 mph62.2 mph
70 mph72.6 mph
80 mph83.0 mph

Other sizes close to 285/40R21

Questions

Can I replace 285/40R21 with 285/45R21?

285/45R21 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 285/40R21: the diameter differs by +3.74%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 285/40R21 and 285/45R21?

285/45R21 is 1.12" taller and 0 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.56". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.2 mph.

Will 285/45R21 fit on 285/40R21 wheels?

Both use a 21" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 285 mm tire and the fender clearance.