AutoTools

265/60R18 vs 245/60R18

Borderline−3.10% rolling diameter

245/60R18 sits −3.1% away from 265/60R18 on rolling diameter — past the 3% rule but short of 5%. It will physically fit many cars, but you are trading measurable speedometer and odometer error for the look. Budget 12.0 mm of extra clearance per side, and check the inner arch at full lock before committing. On a car with torque-vectoring or adaptive cruise, have the wheel-speed calibration checked.

Diameter change
−3.10%
−24.0 mm
Ride height
−12.0 mm
half the diameter change
Tread width
−20 mm
245 mm section
Speedo at 60
58.1
true mph when the dial reads 60

Side by side

Measure265/60R18245/60R18Change
Overall diameter30.52″29.57″−3.10%
Section width265 mm245 mm−20 mm
Sidewall height159.0 mm147.0 mm−12.0 mm
Rim diameter18″18″0″
Revolutions / mile661682+21

Questions about this swap

Can I fit 245/60R18 instead of 265/60R18?

Only with care. The diameter differs by −3.1%, outside the 3% rule, so clearance and speedometer accuracy both need checking first.

How much will my speedometer be out with 245/60R18 instead of 265/60R18?

By about 3.1%. At an indicated 60 mph you would actually be doing 58.1 mph, so the dial over-reads your true speed.

Does fitting 245/60R18 change ride height from 265/60R18?

Yes, by roughly 12.0 mm. Rolling radius is half the diameter change, so the axle sits that much lower and you need the same amount of extra room above the tyre.

Will my odometer read differently on 245/60R18 rather than 265/60R18?

It will read 3.1% high. Over 10,000 recorded miles that is about 310 miles of difference against the true distance travelled.

Want to try other sizes? Open the calculator.