205/55R16 vs 235/45R17
235/45R17 has an overall diameter of 643.3 mm (25.33") compared with 631.9 mm (24.88") for 205/55R16, a difference of +11.4 mm (+1.80 %). The sidewall changes by -7.0 mm, section width by +30 mm and ride height by +5.7 mm. Using the ETRTO rolling circumference, 205/55R16 turns 519 times per kilometre and 235/45R17 turns 510 times. With 235/45R17 fitted to a car calibrated for 205/55R16, an indicated 100 km/h is a true 101.8 km/h, and the odometer records 98.2 km for every 100 km driven. This is within the commonly quoted 3 % tolerance.
Full comparison
| Measurement | 205/55R16 | 235/45R17 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section width | 205 mm | 235 mm | +30 mm |
| Sidewall height | 112.8 mm | 105.8 mm | -7.0 mm |
| Rim diameter | 16" | 17" | +1.0" |
| Overall diameter | 631.9 mm (24.88") | 643.3 mm (25.33") | +11.4 mm (+1.80 %) |
| Static circumference | 1985 mm | 2021 mm | +36 mm |
| Rolling circumference (ETRTO) | 1927 mm | 1962 mm | +35 mm |
| Revs per km | 519 | 510 | -9 |
| Ride height | +5.7 mm | ||
| Inch equivalent | 24.9×8.1R16 | 25.3×9.3R17 | |
| Approved rim widths (approx.) | 5.5″–7.5″ | 7.5″–9″ |
Speedometer error
| Speedo reads | 40 | 50 | 60 | 80 | 100 | 110 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual speed (km/h) | 40.7 | 50.9 | 61.1 | 81.4 | 101.8 | 112.0 |
| Error (km/h) | +0.7 | +0.9 | +1.1 | +1.4 | +1.8 | +2.0 |
Assumes the speedo was accurate on 205/55R16. Odometer records 98.2 km for every 100 km actually driven.
- The 235/45R17 is 11.4 mm (1.8 %) larger in diameter, so your speedo will read low and your odometer will under-record distance.
- Section width changes by +30 mm. Check guard, strut and inner-arch clearance and that the rim width is within the approved range for the new tyre.
- Rim diameter changes from 16" to 17", so new wheels are required.
Is 235/45R17 legal in Australia? Within limits, verify speedo
| Overall diameter (VSB 14 LS 4.2.4) Diameter change of +11.4 mm is within the +15 mm / -26 mm allowance for a passenger car (MA/MB) (measured against the largest size the manufacturer designates for the model). | OK |
| Speedometer (ADR 18/03) A larger tyre makes the speedo read lower: at an indicated 100 km/h you would be doing 101.8 km/h. ADR 18 requires the speedo never to read below true speed, but factory speedos typically over-read by 2-6 %, so a 1.8 % increase is usually absorbed. Verify with a GPS speed app after fitting. | Verify |
| Load index (tyre placard / ADR 42) Enter the placard load index and the replacement tyre load index to check. | ? |
| Speed rating (tyre placard / ADR 42) Enter the placard speed rating and the replacement tyre speed rating to check. | ? |
Frequently asked
Can I fit 235/45R17 instead of 205/55R16?
Overall diameter changes by +11.4 mm (+1.80 %). That is within the usual 3 % rule of thumb, so it is generally an acceptable swap provided the load index and speed rating meet your tyre placard and the tyre suits your rim width. In Australia VSB 14 allows up to +15 mm for passenger cars and +50 mm for 4WDs/goods vehicles without certification.
How much will my speedo be out with 235/45R17?
Your speedo will read low by about 1.80 %. At an indicated 100 km/h you would actually be travelling 101.8 km/h, and at 110 km/h about 112 km/h.
What is the rolling circumference of 235/45R17?
Static circumference is 2021 mm; the ETRTO rolling circumference under load is about 1962 mm, which is 510 revolutions per kilometre.
235/45R17 in inches
235/45R17 is approximately 25.3×9.3R17: 25.3" tall, 9.3" wide, on a 17" rim, with a 4.2" sidewall.
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