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Tire Size Comparison

255/40R22 vs 285/45R21

Switching from 255/40R22 to 285/45R21 changes overall diameter by +3.55% (30.03 in → 31.10 in).

+3.55%Borderline — noticeable speedometer/odometer error

Speedometer error

With a speedometer calibrated to 255/40R22, fitting 285/45R21 makes it read as follows:

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h41.4 km/h25 mph26 mph
60 km/h62.1 km/h37 mph39 mph
80 km/h82.8 km/h50 mph51 mph
100 km/h103.6 km/h62 mph64 mph
120 km/h124.3 km/h75 mph77 mph

Full comparison

255/40R22
Overall diameter762.8 mm · 30.03 in
Section width255 mm · 10.04 in
Sidewall height102.0 mm · 4.02 in
Circumference2396.4 mm · 94.3 in
Revolutions per mile672
Revolutions per km417
285/45R21
Overall diameter789.9 mm · 31.10 in
Section width285 mm · 11.22 in
Sidewall height128.3 mm · 5.05 in
Circumference2481.5 mm · 97.7 in
Revolutions per mile649
Revolutions per km403
Original tire
New tire
+3.55%Borderline — noticeable speedometer/odometer error
3031.1
Original
Overall diameter762.8 mm · 30.03 in
Sidewall height102 mm
Circumference2,396.4 mm
Revolutions / mile671.6
New
Overall diameter789.9 mm · 31.1 in
Sidewall height128.3 mm
Circumference2,481.5 mm
Revolutions / mile648.5
Speedometer & odometer error

The new tire changes overall diameter by +3.55%. 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/h41.4 km/h25 mph26 mph
60 km/h62.1 km/h37 mph39 mph
80 km/h82.8 km/h50 mph51 mph
100 km/h103.6 km/h62 mph64 mph
120 km/h124.3 km/h75 mph77 mph

See individual specs: 255/40R22 · 285/45R21. A change this size can affect ABS/speed calibration — see wheel-speed codes if a light appears.