Compare two tire sizes and see the speedometer impact
Tire 1 (Original)
Tire 2 (New)
Metric
Tire 1
Tire 2
Difference
Speedometer Error Result:
How to Read Tire Size Specifications
Changing your tire size affects your car's performance, fuel economy, and speedometer accuracy. Using a Tire Size Comparison Calculator is essential before upgrading your wheels. Here is what the numbers mean:
Width: The first number (e.g., 225) is the width of the tire in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall.
Aspect Ratio: The second number (e.g., 45) is the height of the sidewall expressed as a percentage of the width.
Wheel Diameter: The last number (e.g., 17) is the diameter of the wheel rim in inches.
Understanding Speedometer Error
If you install a tire with a larger overall diameter than your factory setup, your speedometer will display a speed lower than your actual velocity. This is because a larger tire covers more ground per revolution. Most mechanics recommend keeping the diameter difference within 3% of the original size to prevent issues with ABS, traction control, and transmission shifting points.
Example Calculation
Suppose you are switching from 225/45R17 to 245/40R18: