255/35R20 vs 235/45R20
235/45R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/35R20: the diameter differs by +4.81%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.
Speedometer and odometer
With 235/45R20 on a car calibrated for 255/35R20, the speedometer reads 57.2 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.8%.
| Speedo shows | Actual speed |
|---|---|
| 30 mph | 31.4 mph |
| 45 mph | 47.2 mph |
| 60 mph | 62.9 mph |
| 70 mph | 73.4 mph |
| 80 mph | 83.8 mph |
Other sizes close to 255/35R20
- 255/35R20 vs 255/40R19+0.01%
- 255/35R20 vs 245/40R20+2.55%
- 255/35R20 vs 245/35R20-1.02%
- 255/35R20 vs 275/35R20+2.04%
- 255/35R20 vs 255/40R20+3.71%
- 255/35R20 vs 225/45R19-0.20%
- 255/35R20 vs 285/35R19-0.64%
- 255/35R20 vs 285/35R20+3.06%
- 255/35R20 vs 285/30R20-1.09%
- 255/35R20 vs 275/30R20-1.97%
- 255/35R20 vs 265/35R20+1.02%
- 255/35R20 vs 235/35R20-2.04%
Questions
Can I replace 255/35R20 with 235/45R20?
235/45R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/35R20: the diameter differs by +4.81%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.
What's the difference between 255/35R20 and 235/45R20?
235/45R20 is 1.30" taller and 20 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.65". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.9 mph.
Will 235/45R20 fit on 255/35R20 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.