Comparison

235/40 R18 vs 245/40 R17

245/40 R17 drops the rim from 18 to 17 inches versus 235/40 R18, trading wheel size for taller sidewall. This alternative fitment moves rolling diameter a touch off the original spec. The speedometer offset is small but measurable; worth keeping in mind if you watch the dash closely. More tread on the ground tends to improve dry grip and stance, with a small fuel-economy and clearance tradeoff. Diameter change stays inside the conservative ±3% safety window — an OEM-safe fitment on most vehicles.

TakePractical direction for winter wheels, chains, or rougher pavement where cushioning matters.

Quick math: 245/40 R17 is 17.4 mm shorter than 235/40 R18, shifting the speedometer by -2.70%.

Current Tire

235/40R18

New Tire

245/40R17
235/40 R18
245/40 R17

Ground line · scaled comparison

Excellent Fit

Within ±3% — safe for daily driving

Diameter change

-17.4 mm

-2.70%

Speedometer at 100

97.3 km/h

-2.70% error

Ground clearance

-8.7 mm

ride height delta

Sidewall change

+4.0 mm

revs/km: 507.0

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Detailed comparison

Metric235/40 R18245/40 R17Difference
Overall diameter645.2 mm627.8 mm-17.4 mm (-2.70%)
Sidewall height94.0 mm98.0 mm+4.0 mm
Circumference2.027 m1.972 m-54.7 mm
Revs / km493.4507.0+13.7
Ground clearancereference-8.7 mm-8.7 mm
Speedometer @ 100 km/h100.0 km/h97.3 km/h-2.70 km/h

Verdict: excellent

Within ±3% — speedometer, ABS and traction control should behave normally.

Speedometer impact

At a true 100 km/h, your dashboard will read 97.3 km/h after switching to 245/40 R17 — a -2.70% offset. Use the speedometer error calculator to recheck for other indicated speeds, and the speedometer error guide for the full background.

Ground clearance change

The new tire's half-diameter changes ride height by -8.7 mm. Small differences are absorbed by suspension travel, but anything beyond ±10 mm can affect headlight aim, fender clearance and bump-stop margin. See the plus-sizing guide before committing.

Back to

235/40 R18

Back to

245/40 R17

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Frequently asked questions