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Tire Size Comparison

215/55R17 vs 225/45R18

Switching from 215/55R17 to 225/45R18 changes overall diameter by -1.29% (26.31 in → 25.97 in).

-1.29%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor

Speedometer error

With a speedometer calibrated to 215/55R17, fitting 225/45R18 makes it read as follows:

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h39.5 km/h25 mph25 mph
60 km/h59.2 km/h37 mph37 mph
80 km/h79.0 km/h50 mph49 mph
100 km/h98.7 km/h62 mph61 mph
120 km/h118.5 km/h75 mph74 mph

Full comparison

215/55R17
Overall diameter668.3 mm · 26.31 in
Section width215 mm · 8.46 in
Sidewall height118.3 mm · 4.66 in
Circumference2099.5 mm · 82.7 in
Revolutions per mile767
Revolutions per km476
225/45R18
Overall diameter659.7 mm · 25.97 in
Section width225 mm · 8.86 in
Sidewall height101.3 mm · 3.99 in
Circumference2072.5 mm · 81.6 in
Revolutions per mile777
Revolutions per km483
Original tire
New tire
-1.29%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor
26.326
Original
Overall diameter668.3 mm · 26.31 in
Sidewall height118.3 mm
Circumference2,099.5 mm
Revolutions / mile766.5
New
Overall diameter659.7 mm · 25.97 in
Sidewall height101.3 mm
Circumference2,072.5 mm
Revolutions / mile776.5
Speedometer & odometer error

The new tire changes overall diameter by -1.29%. With a speedometer calibrated to the original tire, that same percentage is how far the speedometer and odometer read off — a taller tire means your true speed is higher than indicated and the odometer under-counts distance.

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h39.5 km/h25 mph25 mph
60 km/h59.2 km/h37 mph37 mph
80 km/h79 km/h50 mph49 mph
100 km/h98.7 km/h62 mph61 mph
120 km/h118.5 km/h75 mph74 mph

See individual specs: 215/55R17 · 225/45R18. A change this size can affect ABS/speed calibration — see wheel-speed codes if a light appears.