235 40r18 vs 245 40r18 Tire – Comparison Explained

Do you want to choose between the 235 40r18 and 245 40r18 tires but don’t have enough idea regarding the types of these two tires? If this is the case then I am here just for you to help you out.

The 235 40r18 Vs 245 40r18 tires is an informative article that will provide you with all the intel that will surely help you choose the best tire for your vehicle. By going through the article you will be able to know all the major and minor differences between these two types of tires.  

If this something that you have been looking for a long time then let me tell you that you are at the right place at the right time. So, without making much ado let’s go through the article and learn every single piece of information regarding these two tires.

235/40r18 Vs 245/40r18 Tire Size – Comparison Table

235 40R18 vs 245 40R18 Tire

This table is full of informative and numerical contents that will definitely help you sort out the main differences between these two types of tires. The table is given below:

Features 235/40r18 Tire Size245/40r18 Tire SizeDifferences
Sidewall Height3.70 inches3.86 inches0.16 inches
Overall Diameter25.40 inches25.72 inches0.32 inches
Circumference79.80 inches80.79 inches0.99 inches
Section Width9.25 inches9.65 inches0.40 inches
Radius12.70 inches12.86 inches0.16 inches
Revs Per Mile7937849
Rim Diameter18 inches18 inchesNone
Tread Depth9.5/32 inches9.5/32 inchesNone
Tire TypeA-Radial Ply TireA-Radial Ply TireNone
Typical Weight23.5 lbs25.4 lbs1.9 lbs

235 40R18 Vs 245 40R18 Tires – Major Differences

Let us now have a quick look at some of the major differences between 235 40r18 and 245 40r18 tires.  Looking at these differences will help you learn about these two types of tires better. The major differences are as follows:

Sidewall Height

  • More sidewall means more flex for your vehicle.
  • Useful for giving your vehicle a comfortable riding experience.
  • Gives your vehicle a gorgeous look.
  • Provides better grip and handling.
  • Makes your vehicle less fuel efficient.

The 235 40r18 tires have a sidewall height of 3.70 inches. On the other hand, the sidewall height of the 245 40r18 tires is 3.86 inches. The difference between the two is 0.16 inches. Percentage-wise the difference stands at 4.3% only.

Overall Diameter

  • Affects your vehicle’s handling.
  • Provides an amazing driving experience.
  • Makes your overall driving experience awesome.
  • Influences the fuel economy of your vehicle.

The overall diameter of the 235 40r18 tires is 25.40 inches. On the contrary, the overall diameter of the 245 40r18 tires is 25.72 inches. The difference between the two stands at 0.32 inches. Percentage-wise the difference stands at 1.2% only.

Circumference 

  • Affects your vehicle’s speedometer readings.
  • Higher circumference- inaccurate speedometer reading.
  • Lower circumference- accurate speedometer reading.
  • Affects your vehicle’s gear ratio.
  • Determines the travel distance for your vehicle.

The circumference of the 235 40r18 tires is 79.80 inches. Whereas, the circumference of the 245 40r18 tires is 80.79 inches. The difference between the two in terms of circumference is 0.99 inches. Percentage-wise, the difference stands at 1.2% only.

The 245 40r18 tires have a slightly higher circumference than the 245 40r18 tires. This means that the 245 40r18 tires will provide inaccurate speedometer readings.

Section Width

  • Affects your vehicle’s traction.
  • Influences the ride comfort and steering response.
  • Controls your vehicle’s gripping as well.

Cross section width or section width of a tire is usually measured from its inner sidewall to its outer sidewall. The cross-section width of the 235 40r18 tires is 9.25 inches.

On the other hand, the cross-section width of the 245 40r18 tires is 9.65 inches. The difference between the two is 0.40 inches. Percentage-wise, the difference stands at 4.3% only. 

Radius

  • Affects your vehicle’s anti-lock braking system.
  • Influences your vehicle’s stability calibration system.
  • Helps you to find replacement parts easily.
  • Controls your vehicle’s acceleration as well.

If you want to know the exact radius of your tire then you have to combine the sidewall height of your tire with the rim’s radius. The 235 40r18 tires have a radius of 12.70 inches. Whereas, the 245 40r18 tires have a radius of 12.86 inches. The difference between the two is 0.16 inches.

Revs Per Mile  

  • Helps the engine and prolong its lifespan.
  • Maintains an easy transition of speed.
  • Protects the car from vibration.
  • Protects the gearbox from overheating.
  • Affect the fuel consumption rate of the vehicle.

Revolutions per mile or RPM means the distance the will cover when it runs for one full mile. The RPM of the 235 40r18 tires is 793. Whereas, the RPM of the 245 40r18 tires is 784. The difference between the two RPMs is only 9. Percentage-wise it is 1.2% only.

Rim Diameter

  • Provides driving safety and improved stiffness.
  • Enables your vehicle to carry more loads.
  • Makes your vehicle look aggressive.

In the case of the 235 40r18 tires, the rim diameter is 14 inches. The same rim diameter is also applicable for the 245 40r18 tires. So, in terms of the rim diameter, there is absolutely no difference between the two.

Tread Depth

  • Affects your vehicle’s braking system.
  • Affects the driving safety of your vehicle.
  • Modifies the traction system.
  • Affects your vehicle’s overall speed.
  • Grants protection against aquaplaning.

The tread depth of the 235 40r18 tires is 9.5/32 inches. The same tread measurement is also applicable for the 245 40r18 tires. So, regarding tread depth, there is hardly any difference between the two tires.

Tire type

Both the 235 40r18 & 245 40r18 tires have a radial tire construction type. The specialty of this type of tire construction type is that the cord plies are usually arranged at a 90-degree angle to the direction in the tire rolls. Following are some of the advantages of a radial tire construction type:

  • Maintains an ideal shape under heavy pressure and load.
  • Offers lower fuel consumption.
  • Provides better traction and flotation.
  • Has improved cut resistance in the tread area.
  • Provides smoother ride and handling.
  • Vibrates less.
  • Provides flexible sidewall and prolongs tire lifespan.

Typical Weight

  • Increases the overall weight of the vehicle.
  • Affects both the acceleration and deceleration of your vehicle.
  • Impacts the turning rate of your vehicle.
  • Affects the handling and cornering rate of your vehicle.

The typical weight of the 235 40r18 tires is 23.5 lbs or 10.65 kg. On the contrary, the typical weight of the 245 40r18 tires is 25.4 lbs or 11.52 kg. The difference between the two is 1.9 lbs or 0.86 kg only. So, in terms of the overall weight, there is not much of a difference between the two tires.

235 40R18 Vs 245 40R18 Tires- Some Minor Differences

Apart from the major differences discussed above, there are some minor differences as well which should also be discussed in detail. The minor differences are given below in the form of a table:

Features235 40R18 Tire size245 40R18 Tire SizeDifferences
Features235 40R18 Tires 245 40R18 TiresDifferences
Rim Width Range8-9.5 inches8-9.5 inchesNone
Actual Speed62.14 mph61.38 mph0.76 mph
Sidewall LettersBlackBlackNone
Max Speed186 mph186 mphNone
Max Load1521 lbs1609 lbs88 lbs
Max PSI5050None
Speedometer Reading100 km/h98.78 km/h1.22 km/h
Speedometer Reading StatusCorrectslightly differentNone

Now, let us discuss the minor differences in detail so that you can have a clear idea about the differences and make the best possible decision for your vehicle. Here is the discussion:

Rim Width Range

  • Affects the handling of your vehicle.
  • Increases or decreases the friction between the wheel and the road.
  • Impacts directly on the contact patches.
  • Affects the rolling resistance of the tires.
  • Affects the performance of the vehicle.

The rim width specification for the 235 40r18 tires is 8-9.5 inches. Whereas, the rim width specification for the 245 40r18 tires is 8-9.5 inches. So, regarding the rim width specification, there is absolutely no difference between the two tires.

Actual Speed 

  • Determines the overall speed of the vehicle.
  • Facilitates the acceleration process.
  • Helps to reach the top speed easily.

The actual speed for the 235 40r18 tires is 62.14 mph. On the other hand, the actual speed for the 245 40r18 tires is 61.38 mph. The difference between the two is 0.76 mph. So, regarding the actual speed, the 235 40r18 tires are ahead.

Max PSI

Pound-force per square inch or PSI is a measuring unit that measures the pressure of gases or liquids. The normal pressure for tires is around 32-40 psi. The max psi for both the 235 40r18 and 245 40r18 tires is 50. PSI of a tire offers the following advantages:

  • Provides driving safety.
  • Offers better handling.
  • Gives riding comfort.
  • Control fuel consumption rate.

Max Load

  • Informs about the maximum load capacity of a tire.
  • Gives valuable info regarding the tire’s lifespan and capability.
  • 245 40r18 tires can carry more loads than the 235 40r18 tires.

The max load capacity for the 235 40r18 tires is 1521 lbs. On the contrary, the max load capacity for the 245 40r18 tires is 1609 lbs. The difference in max load capacity between the two tires is 88 lbs. 

Sidewall Letters

  • Inform about the tire type.
  • Tells about the size of the tires.
  • Provides info about aspect ratio, load index, speed rating, etc.

For both tires, the sidewall letters are printed in black. Though it may differ from one manufacturer to the other.

Speedometer Reading

  • Informs about the rotational speed of tires.
  • Tells us about the overall speed of the tires.
  • Shows the correct info about the circumference of a tire.

The speedometer reading for the 235 40r18 tires is 100 km/h. On the other hand, the speedometer reading for the 245 40r18 tires is 98.78 km/h. The difference between the two is 1.22 km/h. The 245 40r18 tires provide slightly different speedometer readings. Whereas, the 235 40r18 tires provide correct speedometer ratings.

Max Speed

  • Shows the fastness of a tire.
  • Informs about the acceleration capability of a tire.

The max speed capacity for both tires is 186 mph. So, in terms of the max speed, there is zero difference between the two tires.

235 40R18 Vs 245 40R18 Tires – What Are the Main Differences in Performance?

Besides the major and minor differences which actually show the numerical differences between these two tires, there are also some main differences in terms of the performance of the two tires. These differences are discussed below:

Noise Level & Ride Comfort 

The general rule of thumb is that bigger and larger tires usually trap more air inside them than the smaller tires. Thus they make more noise while running on highways making driving uncomfortable for others. 

The 245 40r18 tires are usually bigger and wider than the 235 40r18 tires. Thus they tend to capture more air inside them and make more noise. 

On the contrary, the 235 40r18 tires capture less air than the 245 40r18 tires and thus make less noise and provide more driving comfort.

Rolling Resistance

More rolling resistance usually means more fuel consumption for your vehicle. The tires that are wider and bigger have more rolling resistance than the tires that are smaller.

The 235 40r18 tires are larger than the 235 40r18 tires. Thus they have more rolling resistance and need more fuel to function properly. 

On the other hand, the 235 40r18 tires being smaller in size, have less rolling resistance. Thus they need less fuel to operate fully.

Handling of the Vehicle

Normally, tires that are wider and bigger provide more handling than tires that are smaller. In this regard, the 245 40r18 tires provide slightly better handling than the 235 40r18 tires because they are both wider and bigger than the 235 40r18 tires.

The Grip on Dry Surfaces

Tires that have increased contact patches and increased traction perform much better on dry surfaces than the tires that don’t have these facilities. Usually wider tires come with these facilities and they perform well on dry surfaces.

The 245 40r18 tires are bigger and have increased contact patches and traction than the 235 40r18 tires. Thus the 245 40r18 tires do slightly better on dry surfaces than the 235 40r18 tires.

Design

Bigger and wider tires enhance the look of your vehicle a lot. The 245 40r18 tires are both bigger and wider. Thus your vehicle will look a lot more aggressive and attractive if you use the 245 40r18 tires rather than the 235 40r18 tires.

Also Read: 235 45R18 vs 245 45R18 Tire – Spot the Differences

Frequently Asked Questions

Some of the most frequently asked questions regarding these two types of tires are discussed below:

Which Is Better, Bigger or Small Tires?

Bigger tires are better for giving your wheels more traction and making your vehicle look beautiful. But they are less fuel efficient and costly as well.

Can I use 235 40r18 Tires Instead of 245 40r18 Tires?

Yes, you can certainly use the 235 40r18 tires instead of the 245 40r18 tires as it is easier to replace a smaller tire in place of a wider one.

Which Tire Gives the Smoothest Ride, 235 40r18 or 245 40r18?

Smaller tires are way better for offering the smoothest ride than wider tires. Since 235 40r18 tires are smaller compared to the 245 40r18 tires, they provide the smoothest ride.

Which Tire Use More Gas, 235 40r18 or 245 40r18?

Bigger tires are heavier and have more rolling resistance. Thus they use more gas to run. Since 245 40r18 tires are bigger, they need more gas to operate than the 235 40r18 tires.

Final Thoughts

The 235 40r18 Vs 245 40r18 tires is a very informative article that is designed to help you out so that you may choose the right kind of tire for your most valued vehicle. Apart from the visible differences, both tires are performing really well and there are no complaints regarding the performance of the two tires.

So, if you want to choose between the two tires, then go ahead and choose the best one that would go well for your vehicle. So, choose wisely and invest carefully.

I am an engineer and the chief editor of tireslover.com, I am a passionate blogger as well. I am the person who can ensure a perfect, informative, honest, and helpful, guide with 10 years of work experience with different varieties of tires.

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