CarSpecsHQ

255/35R20 vs 265/40R20

265/40R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/35R20: the diameter differs by +4.88%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

20" rim
255/35R20 27.03" · 265/40R20 28.35" · drawn to scale

Side by side

255/35R20265/40R20Difference
Overall diameter27.03"28.35"+1.32" (+4.88%)
Section width255 mm265 mm+10 mm
Sidewall3.51"4.17"+0.66"
Rim20"20"same
Circumference84.9"89.1"+4.1"
Revs per mile746711-35
Ride height——+0.66"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.9+2.9 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.9 mph

With 265/40R20 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 4.9%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.5 mph
45 mph47.2 mph
60 mph62.9 mph
70 mph73.4 mph
80 mph83.9 mph

Other sizes close to 255/35R20

Questions

Can I replace 255/35R20 with 265/40R20?

265/40R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/35R20: the diameter differs by +4.88%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 255/35R20 and 265/40R20?

265/40R20 is 1.32" taller and 10 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.66". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.9 mph.

Will 265/40R20 fit on 255/35R20 wheels?

Both use a 20" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 265 mm tire and the fender clearance.