235/45R20 vs 255/45R20
255/45R20 is a safe swap for 235/45R20 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +2.50%.
Speedometer and odometer
With 255/45R20 on a car calibrated for 235/45R20, the speedometer reads 58.5 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 2.5%.
| Speedo shows | Actual speed |
|---|---|
| 30 mph | 30.8 mph |
| 45 mph | 46.1 mph |
| 60 mph | 61.5 mph |
| 70 mph | 71.8 mph |
| 80 mph | 82.0 mph |
Other sizes close to 235/45R20
- 235/45R20 vs 245/45R20+1.25%
- 235/45R20 vs 275/40R20+1.18%
- 235/45R20 vs 245/40R20-2.15%
- 235/45R20 vs 245/50R20+4.66%
- 235/45R20 vs 255/35R20-4.59%
- 235/45R20 vs 255/40R20-1.04%
- 235/45R20 vs 275/35R20-2.64%
- 235/45R20 vs 235/50R19-0.26%
- 235/45R20 vs 265/45R20+3.75%
- 235/45R20 vs 285/35R20-1.67%
- 235/45R20 vs 315/35R20+1.25%
- 235/45R20 vs 265/35R20-3.61%
Questions
Can I replace 235/45R20 with 255/45R20?
255/45R20 is a safe swap for 235/45R20 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +2.50%.
What's the difference between 235/45R20 and 255/45R20?
255/45R20 is 0.71" taller and 20 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.35". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 61.5 mph.
Will 255/45R20 fit on 235/45R20 wheels?
Both use a 20" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 255 mm tire and the fender clearance.