Check the tyre placard (door jamb or fuel flap) and your owner’s manual first, as this size is often used as a wider rear tyre on staggered set-ups. Also confirm your wheel width and clearance, with 7.5-9.0J rims commonly suited to 245/45 R16. If your car lists different front and rear sizes, replace like-for-like on each axle.
Match the exact load index and speed rating shown on your current tyre sidewall or the vehicle placard, and do not choose a lower rating. Many 245/45 R16 options are offered with higher speed ratings, so filter by the rating you need before comparing brands. If your vehicle specifies Extra Load (XL), keep XL for the correct carrying capacity and stability.
A different size changes the rolling circumference, which can affect speedometer accuracy, ABS behaviour and arch clearance. With a wide, low-profile fitment like 245/45 R16, small changes can also increase the risk of rubbing on full lock or over bumps. Only change sizes if the alternative is approved for your vehicle and wheel, and ideally confirm with the manufacturer or a tyre professional.
All-season options exist in some 245/45 R16 ranges, but availability can be more limited than mainstream sizes, so it’s worth checking stock early. Choose summer tyres if you prioritise warm-weather handling and sharper response, and consider all-season if you want one set for mixed UK conditions. For regular winter trips, look for a winter tyre or an all-season tyre marked 3PMSF.
Yes, replace tyres in pairs on the same axle to keep grip and braking consistent, which is especially important when 245/45 R16 is used as a wider rear fitment. Avoid mixing different tread patterns or very different wear levels across the axle, and keep tread depth differences as small as possible. After fitting, check alignment to protect the shoulders on a wide tyre like this.
