235 45R18 vs 245 45R18 Tire – Spot the Differences

Do you have plans to purchase a new set of tires and are confused between the 235 45r18 and 245 45r18 tires? If this is what your problem is then this article will help you immensely to solve the problem.

The article “235 45r18 vs 245 45r18 tires” is a very informative piece of writing that will definitely help you get all the important information regarding these two types of tires.

What’s more, after reading the article, there will not be any sort of doubt in your mind regarding which tire to choose for your vehicle.  

So, if you want to make the most out of your precious money and buy the best product, then this article will help you to choose the right tire for your vehicle. So without wasting any more time, let’s jump straight into the article.

235/45r18 Vs 245/45r18 Tires- Table of Differences

235 45R18 vs 245 45R18

This table contains a detailed numerical difference between the 235 45r18 and 245 45r18 tires. Looking at the table, you will be able to know all the significant differences that make these two tires unique and different from each other. Here is the table: – 

Features 235/45r18 Tire Size245/45r18 Tire SizeDifferences
Section Width9.25 inches9.65 inches0.40 inches
Sidewall Height4.16 inches4.34 inches0.18 inches
Overall Diameter26.33 inches26.68 inches0.35 inches
Radius13.16 inches13.34 inches0.18 inches
Circumference82.71 inches83.82 inches1.1 inches
Rim Diameter18 inches18 inchesNone
Revs Per Mile76675510
Tread Depth9.5/32 inches9.5/32 inchesNone
Typical Weight23.5 lbs25.4 lbs1.9 lbs
Tire TypeA-Radial Ply TireA-Radial Ply TireNone

235 45R18 Vs 245 45R18 Tires- Differences in Detail

Now, let us discuss some of the main differences in detail so that you can have a complete idea about what you have already seen in the table above.

Section Width

  • Measured from the inner sidewall to the outer sidewall.
  • Controls the gripping of your vehicle.
  • Affects the traction of your vehicle.
  • Influences the steering response.
  • Provides more ride comfort.

The cross-section width of the 235 45r18 tires is 9.25 inches. On the other hand, the 245 45r18 tires have a cross-section width of 9.65 inches. The difference between the two tiers in terms of the cross-section width is 0.40 inches. Percentage-wise the difference is 4.3%.

Sidewall Height

  • Provides better grip.
  • Provides more handling.
  • Gives more flex to your vehicle.
  • Makes your vehicle look gorgeous.
  • Makes your vehicle slightly less fuel efficient.
  • Gives you a more comfortable driving experience.

The sidewall height of the 235 45r18 tires is 4.16 inches. Whereas, the sidewall height of the 245 45r18 tires is 4.34 inches. The difference between the two in terms of the sidewall height is 0.18 inches. Percentage-wise the difference is 4.3%

Overall Diameter

  • Gives you a great driving experience. 
  • Affects the handling of your vehicle.
  • Affects the fuel economy of your vehicle.
  • Helps your tires properly fit the vehicle.

The 235 45r18 tires have an overall diameter of 26.33 inches. On the contrary, the 245 45r18 tires have an overall diameter of 26.68 inches. The difference between the two in terms of the overall diameter is 0.35 inches. Percentage-wise the difference is 1.3%.

Radius

  • Affects the stability calibration system of your vehicle.
  • Influences the anti-lock braking system of your vehicle.
  • Affects the acceleration and deceleration of your vehicle.
  • Helps you get the replacement parts easily.
  • Affects the speedometer as well.

The radius of the 235 45r18 tires is 13.16 inches. On the other hand, the radius of the 245 45r18 tires is 13.34 inches. The difference between the two tires in terms of the radius is 0.18 inches. This means that the 245 45r18 tires have a slightly more radius than the 235 45r18 tires.

Circumference

  • Affects the speedometer reading. 
  • Improves the stability of your vehicle.
  • Affects the acceleration process.
  • Influences the gear ratio of your vehicle.
  • Affects the distance of travel for your vehicle.

The 235 45r18 tires have a circumference of 82.71 inches. On the other hand, the circumference of the 245 45r18 tires is 83.82 inches. The difference between the two tires in terms of circumference is 1.1 inches.

Rim Diameter

  • Improves the stability of the vehicle.
  • Affects the range of braking distance.
  • Affects the weight of the vehicle.
  • Influences the speed of the vehicle.
  • Affects the acceleration process as well.

The rim diameter for the 235 45r18 tires is 18 inches. The same measurement in terms of the rim diameter is also true for the 245 45r18 tires. So, in the case of the rim diameter, there is absolutely zero difference between the two tires.

Revs Per Mile

  • Refers to the total covered distance of a vehicle after going for one full mile.
  • Helps to protect the car from vibration.
  • Helps to protect the gearbox from overheating.
  • Provides an easy transition in terms of speed.
  • Prolongs the lifespan of the engine.
  • Affects the fuel consumption rate of the vehicle as well.

The revolution per mile or RPM of the 235 45r18 tires is 766. On the other hand, the RPM of the 245 45r18 tires is 755. The difference between the two tires in terms of the RPM is only 10.

Tread Depth

  • Influences the gripping of your vehicle.
  • Affects the traction of the vehicle.
  • Affects the driving safety of your vehicle.
  • Gives protection for aquaplaning.
  • Influences the overall speed of the vehicle.
  • Affects the controlling system of the vehicle.

The 235 45r18 tires have a tread depth of 9.5/32 inches. For the 245 45r18 tires, the exact same tread depth is also true. So, in terms of the tread depth, both tires are in perfect shape and there is no difference between the two tires.

Typical Weight

  • Affects the rate of turning of your vehicle.
  • Affects the handling of the vehicle.
  • Puts serious impact on the cornering rate for your vehicle.
  • Affects both the acceleration and deceleration process of the vehicle.
  • Increases the weight of the vehicle.

The 235 45r18 tires have a typical weight of 23.5 lbs or 10.65 kg. On the other hand, the typical weight for the 245 45r18 tires is 25.4 lbs or 1.52 kg. The difference between the two tires in terms of the typical weight is 1.9 lbs or 0.86 kg. So, it means that the 245 45r18 tires are 1.9 lbs or 0.86 kg heavier than the 235 45r18 tires.

Tire type

It is a very good thing that both tires have a Radial construction type. The radial construction type of tire is very good in terms of performance and has a pretty good reputation in the market as well. Some of the main advantages of the radial tires are given below:

  • Provides less vibration. 
  • Provides better traction.
  • Contibute better handling to the vehicle.
  • Prolongs the lifespan of the tire.
  • Serve a smoother cut resistance near the tread area.
  • Provides a flexible sidewall.
  • Can withstand heavy load and pressure.
  • Offers a lower fuel consumption rate.

235 45R18 Vs 245 45R18 Tires – Some Additional Differences

There are some additional differences as well between these two tires. You should know these differences to have a good idea about these two types of tires. The differences are again shown in the form of a table for your better understanding. The table is as follows: –

Features235 40R18 Tire Size245 40R18 Tire SizeDifferences
Actual Speed62.14 mph61.31 mph0.83 mph
Rim Width Range7.50-9 inches7.50-9 inchesNone
Sidewall LettersBlackBlackNone
Max Speed186 mph186 mphNone
Max PSI5050None
Max Load1521 lbs1609 lbs88 lbs
Speedometer Reading100 km/h98.67 km/h1.33 km/h
Speedometer Reading StatusCorrectSlightly differentNone

It’s now time to discuss the differences in detail which we have shown you above. This will help you get a clear understanding of these two types of tires and you will be able to make a better decision in the future. Here goes the discussion:

Actual Speed

  • Makes the acceleration process easier.
  • Gives us the true idea about the actual speed capacity of the vehicle.
  • Makes it easier for the vehicle to reach the top speed easily and regularly.

The actual speed for the 235 45r18 tires is 62.14 mph. On the contrary, the actual speed for the 245 45r18 tires is 61.31 mph. The difference in actual speed between the two tires is 0.83 mph.

Rim Width Range

  • Determines which type of tire will fit the vehicle easily.
  • Affects the contact patches.
  • Affects the rolling resistance of the tire.
  • Controls the friction between the wheel and the road.
  • Affects the overall performance of your vehicle.
  • Affects the handling of the vehicle as well.

The rid width range for the 235 45r18 tires is 7.50-9 inches. The same rim width specification is also applicable for the 245 45r18 tires. So, in terms of the rim width, there is absolutely zero difference between the two tires.

Max PSI

  • Stands for Pound-force per square inch.
  • Provides riding comfort.
  • Delivers better handling.
  • Offers Driving safety.
  • Controls the rate of fuel consumption.

PSI is a foreign measurement unit that is used to measure the pressure of liquids and gasses. The most ideal pressure for every tire is around 32-40 psi. The max psi for the 235 45r18 tires is 50. The same measurement is also true for the 245 45r18 tires as well. So, in the case of the max psi, there is no difference between the two tires.

Max Load

  • Tells us about the max load-carrying capacity of a tire.
  • Informs us about the lifespan of a given tire.
  • Gives us a good idea about the power and strength of a tire.

The max load-carrying capacity for the 235 45r18 tires is 1521 lbs. Whereas, the max load-carrying capacity for the 245 45r18 tires is 1609 lbs. The difference between the two in terms of the max load is 88 lbs.

Max Speed

  • Tells us how fast a tire can run. 
  • Informs about the acceleration capability of a tire. 
  • Gives us a clear knowledge about the swiftness of a tire.

The max speed capacity for the 235 45r18 tires is 186 mph. On the contrary, the max speed capacity for the 245 45r18 tires is  186 mph which is exactly similar to the 235 45r18 tires. So, in terms of the max speed, there is no apparent difference between the two tires.

Sidewall Letters

  • Give us valuable information about the real history of a given tire.
  • Provide us with knowledge about the aspect ratio of a tire.
  • Tells us more about the real size of the tire.
  • Gives us knowledge about the load index and speed rating of a tire.

For both tires, all the info that we have mentioned above is usually written in black letters. It differs from one manufacturing company to another.

Speedometer Reading

  • Informs us about the actual speed of a tire.
  • Gives us info about the actual circumference of a specific tire.
  • Tells us how fast a specific tire rotates.

The speedometer reading in terms of the 235 45r18 tires is 100 km/h. On the contrary, the speedometer reading in terms of the 245 45r18 tires is 98.67 km/h. The difference in terms of the speedometer reading between the two tires is 1.33 km/h. 

235 45R18 Vs 245 45R18 Tires: More Differences in Performance

Apart from all the numerical differences shown above, let us have a quick look at the top 3 differences in regard to performance between these two tires. The main discussion is given below: –

Handling

It is in the nature of the bigger tires to offer more handling than the smaller tires. Since the 245 45r18 tires are bigger they provide a slightly better handling performance than the 235 45r18 tires which are a bit smaller.

The Grip on Slippery Surfaces

Bigger tires find it hard to dispel extra water from under the wheel of the vehicle. Thus, they cannot grip better on dry or slippery surfaces. The 235 45r18 tires are smaller in size and can easily dispel water from under the vehicle. So, they perform much better on slippery surfaces.

Rolling Resistance

Tires that are bigger and wider have more rolling resistance than tires that are smaller. More rolling resistance usually means more fuel consumption. Since the 245 45r18 tires are larger they consume more fuel. On the contrary, the 235 45r18 tires are smaller in size and have less rolling resistance. Thus they use less fuel in general.

Consider Choosing Between 235 45R18 and 245 45R18 Tire Sizes

Here are some factors to consider when choosing between 235 45R18 and 245 45R18 tire sizes, with five conditions:

Type of Vehicle and Driving Conditions

Consider the type of vehicle you have and the driving conditions you typically encounter. If you have a larger vehicle, such as an SUV or a pickup truck, you may need a larger tire size like the 245 45R18. If you drive primarily on highways or smooth roads, a smaller size like the 235 45R18 may suffice.

Performance Requirements

Think about the performance you want from your tires. If you prioritize handling and traction, a larger tire size like the 245 45R18 may offer better performance. If you prioritize fuel efficiency and a smoother ride, a smaller size like the 235 45R18 may be a better choice.

Towing or Hauling Needs

If you plan to tow or haul heavy loads, you may need a larger tire size like the 245 45R18 to handle the weight. A larger tire size can offer more stability and load carrying capacity.

Budget

Consider your budget when choosing between tire sizes. Generally, larger tire sizes like the 245 45R18 can be more expensive than smaller sizes like the 235 45R18. You should also factor in the cost of installation and maintenance when comparing prices.

Speed Rating

Check the speed rating of the tires to make sure they are suitable for your driving needs. The speed rating indicates the maximum speed the tire can handle safely. Choose a tire with a speed rating that matches your driving habits.

Also Read: 235 40r18 vs 235 45r18 Tire: Differences & Similarities

Frequently Asked Questions

Vehicle drivers and owners who are interested in buying different types of tires ask these questions frequently. Some of the most frequently asked questions are discussed below:

Which Tire Is Better on Dry Surfaces, 235 45r18 or 245 45r18 tires? 

Tires that have more rolling resistance and more traction, perform much better on dry surfaces. The 245 45r18 tires have more rolling resistance and increased traction. So, it is safer to say that the 245 45r18 tires do better on dry surfaces than the 235 45r18 tires.

Which Tires Are Safer, 235 45r18 or 245 45r18? 

If you talk about safety on wet surfaces then the 235 45r18 tires are much safer than the 245 45r18 tires. On the contrary, if you talk about safety on dry surfaces then the 245 45r18 tires are much safer than the 235 45r18 tires. 

Between the Two Tires which One Produces Less Noise? 

Since the 235 45r18 tires are smaller than the 245 45r18 tires, they capture less air inside the wheel. Thus, they produce much less noise than the 245 45r18 tires.

Is It Possible for Me to Use 235 45r18 Tires Instead of 245 45r18 Tires?

Yes, it is certainly possible to use 235 45r18 tires instead of 245 45r18 tires. It is because the 235 45r18 tires are smaller in size compared to the 245 45r18 tires.

Final Thoughts

The 235 45r18 vs 245 45r18 tires is an amazing article that shows an in-depth analysis of the two tires. This article is designed in such a way that it would certainly help you choose the best tire for your vehicle.

So, if you want to make an investment in tires and want to choose either one of the two tires then you will find this article a very useful one indeed. 

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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