CarSpecsHQ

315/35R21 vs 315/40R21

315/40R21 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 315/35R21: the diameter differs by +4.18%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

21" rim
315/35R21 29.68" · 315/40R21 30.92" · drawn to scale

Side by side

315/35R21315/40R21Difference
Overall diameter29.68"30.92"+1.24" (+4.18%)
Section width315 mm315 mm0 mm
Sidewall4.34"4.96"+0.62"
Rim21"21"same
Circumference93.2"97.1"+3.9"
Revs per mile679652-27
Ride height——+0.62"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.5+2.5 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.5 mph

With 315/40R21 on a car calibrated for 315/35R21, the speedometer reads 57.6 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.2%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.3 mph
45 mph46.9 mph
60 mph62.5 mph
70 mph72.9 mph
80 mph83.3 mph

Other sizes close to 315/35R21

Questions

Can I replace 315/35R21 with 315/40R21?

315/40R21 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 315/35R21: the diameter differs by +4.18%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 315/35R21 and 315/40R21?

315/40R21 is 1.24" taller and 0 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.62". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.5 mph.

Will 315/40R21 fit on 315/35R21 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.