CarSpecsHQ

315/35R21 vs 285/45R21

285/45R21 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 315/35R21: the diameter differs by +4.78%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

21" rim
315/35R21 29.68" · 285/45R21 31.10" · drawn to scale

Side by side

315/35R21285/45R21Difference
Overall diameter29.68"31.10"+1.42" (+4.78%)
Section width315 mm285 mm-30 mm
Sidewall4.34"5.05"+0.71"
Rim21"21"same
Circumference93.2"97.7"+4.5"
Revs per mile679649-31
Ride height——+0.71"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.9+2.9 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.9 mph

With 285/45R21 on a car calibrated for 315/35R21, the speedometer reads 57.3 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.8%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.4 mph
45 mph47.1 mph
60 mph62.9 mph
70 mph73.3 mph
80 mph83.8 mph

Other sizes close to 315/35R21

Questions

Can I replace 315/35R21 with 285/45R21?

285/45R21 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 315/35R21: the diameter differs by +4.78%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 315/35R21 and 285/45R21?

285/45R21 is 1.42" taller and 30 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.71". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.9 mph.

Will 285/45R21 fit on 315/35R21 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.