CarSpecsHQ

235/45R20 vs 305/35R20

305/35R20 is a safe swap for 235/45R20 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +0.28%.

20" rim
235/45R20 28.33" · 305/35R20 28.41" · drawn to scale

Side by side

235/45R20305/35R20Difference
Overall diameter28.33"28.41"+0.08" (+0.28%)
Section width235 mm305 mm+70 mm
Sidewall4.16"4.20"+0.04"
Rim20"20"same
Circumference89.0"89.2"+0.2"
Revs per mile712710-2
Ride height——+0.04"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.060.2+0.2 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 60.2 mph

With 305/35R20 on a car calibrated for 235/45R20, the speedometer reads 59.8 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 0.3%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph30.1 mph
45 mph45.1 mph
60 mph60.2 mph
70 mph70.2 mph
80 mph80.2 mph

Other sizes close to 235/45R20

Questions

Can I replace 235/45R20 with 305/35R20?

305/35R20 is a safe swap for 235/45R20 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +0.28%.

What's the difference between 235/45R20 and 305/35R20?

305/35R20 is 0.08" taller and 70 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.04". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 60.2 mph.

Will 305/35R20 fit on 235/45R20 wheels?

Both use a 20" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 305 mm tire and the fender clearance.