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235/45R20 vs 305/40R20

305/40R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 235/45R20: the diameter differs by +4.52%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

20" rim
235/45R20 28.33" · 305/40R20 29.61" · drawn to scale

Side by side

235/45R20305/40R20Difference
Overall diameter28.33"29.61"+1.28" (+4.52%)
Section width235 mm305 mm+70 mm
Sidewall4.16"4.80"+0.64"
Rim20"20"same
Circumference89.0"93.0"+4.0"
Revs per mile712681-31
Ride height——+0.64"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.7+2.7 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.7 mph

With 305/40R20 on a car calibrated for 235/45R20, the speedometer reads 57.4 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.5%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.4 mph
45 mph47.0 mph
60 mph62.7 mph
70 mph73.2 mph
80 mph83.6 mph

Other sizes close to 235/45R20

Questions

Can I replace 235/45R20 with 305/40R20?

305/40R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 235/45R20: the diameter differs by +4.52%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 235/45R20 and 305/40R20?

305/40R20 is 1.28" taller and 70 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.64". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.7 mph.

Will 305/40R20 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.