About the 225/40R18 Tire

The 225/40R18 is a common tire size for performance and sports cars such as BMW 3 Series, Volkswagen GTI, and Audi A4.

With a 90.0 mm sidewall (40% aspect ratio), this low-profile tire delivers sharp steering response and precise cornering grip, though the ride feels firmer over rough surfaces.

Compared to the baseline 235/45R18, this tire's overall diameter differs by -4.7% — a speedometer calibrated for 235/45R18 would read 104.9 km/h at an actual 100 km/h.

OE on the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 (C117) and various German hot-hatch and performance-sedan 18" trims including VW Golf GTI Mk7 (Performance Pack) and Audi A3 (8V) S-Line. Load index 88Y or 92Y reinforced. Performance-sedan benchmark; UHP summer compound availability (Michelin PS4S, Conti SC7) is excellent.

Low-profile sizes in this group prioritize steering response and lateral grip over sidewall protection from pothole impacts. Curb-rash on the rim and pinched sidewalls are the dominant failure modes; insurance-claim data shows these sizes register two to three times more wheel damage than 50+ aspect ratios. Plan for a spare set of rims if the route includes broken urban pavement.

Tire Measurements

Tire Code225/40R18
Section Width225 mm
Aspect Ratio40%
Rim Diameter18"
Sidewall Height90.0 mm
Overall Diameter637.2 mm / 25.09"
Circumference2001.8 mm / 78.81"
Revolutions per km499.5
Revolutions per mile803.9

Adjacent Size Comparison

Tire Code OD (mm)Δ mmΔ % Speedo at 100 km/h
215/40R18 629.2 -8.0 -1.3% 101.3
225/40R18 (current) 637.2 100.0
235/40R18 645.2 +8.0 +1.3% 98.8
225/45R18 659.7 +22.5 +3.5% 96.6
225/40R19 662.6 +25.4 +4.0% 96.2

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the overall diameter of a 225/40R18 tire?
The overall diameter is 637.2 mm (25.09 in), with a 90.0 mm sidewall on a 18-inch rim.
How many revolutions per kilometer does a 225/40R18 tire make?
It makes 499.5 revolutions per kilometer, with a circumference of 2001.8 mm.
What vehicles commonly use 225/40R18 tires?
The 225/40R18 is standard OEM equipment on performance and sports cars such as BMW 3 Series, Volkswagen GTI, and Audi A4. Always check your owner's manual or door placard before switching sizes.

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