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245/45R20 vs 235/55R20

235/55R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 245/45R20: the diameter differs by +5.22%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

20" rim
245/45R20 28.68" · 235/55R20 30.18" · drawn to scale

Side by side

245/45R20235/55R20Difference
Overall diameter28.68"30.18"+1.50" (+5.22%)
Section width245 mm235 mm-10 mm
Sidewall4.34"5.09"+0.75"
Rim20"20"same
Circumference90.1"94.8"+4.7"
Revs per mile703668-35
Ride height——+0.75"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.063.1+3.1 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 63.1 mph

With 235/55R20 on a car calibrated for 245/45R20, the speedometer reads 57.0 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 5.2%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.6 mph
45 mph47.3 mph
60 mph63.1 mph
70 mph73.7 mph
80 mph84.2 mph

Other sizes close to 245/45R20

Questions

Can I replace 245/45R20 with 235/55R20?

235/55R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 245/45R20: the diameter differs by +5.22%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 245/45R20 and 235/55R20?

235/55R20 is 1.50" taller and 10 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.75". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 63.1 mph.

Will 235/55R20 fit on 245/45R20 wheels?

Both use a 20" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 235 mm tire and the fender clearance.