CarSpecsHQ

285/40R21 vs 315/40R21

315/40R21 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 285/40R21: the diameter differs by +3.15%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

21" rim
285/40R21 29.98" · 315/40R21 30.92" · drawn to scale

Side by side

285/40R21315/40R21Difference
Overall diameter29.98"30.92"+0.94" (+3.15%)
Section width285 mm315 mm+30 mm
Sidewall4.49"4.96"+0.47"
Rim21"21"same
Circumference94.2"97.1"+3.0"
Revs per mile673652-21
Ride height——+0.47"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.061.9+1.9 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 61.9 mph

With 315/40R21 on a car calibrated for 285/40R21, the speedometer reads 58.2 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.2%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph30.9 mph
45 mph46.4 mph
60 mph61.9 mph
70 mph72.2 mph
80 mph82.5 mph

Other sizes close to 285/40R21

Questions

Can I replace 285/40R21 with 315/40R21?

315/40R21 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 285/40R21: the diameter differs by +3.15%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 285/40R21 and 315/40R21?

315/40R21 is 0.94" taller and 30 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.47". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 61.9 mph.

Will 315/40R21 fit on 285/40R21 wheels?

Both use a 21" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 315 mm tire and the fender clearance.