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255/35R20 vs 285/35R20

285/35R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/35R20: the diameter differs by +3.06%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

20" rim
255/35R20 27.03" · 285/35R20 27.85" · drawn to scale

Side by side

255/35R20285/35R20Difference
Overall diameter27.03"27.85"+0.83" (+3.06%)
Section width255 mm285 mm+30 mm
Sidewall3.51"3.93"+0.41"
Rim20"20"same
Circumference84.9"87.5"+2.6"
Revs per mile746724-22
Ride height——+0.41"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.061.8+1.8 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 61.8 mph

With 285/35R20 on a car calibrated for 255/35R20, the speedometer reads 58.2 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.1%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph30.9 mph
45 mph46.4 mph
60 mph61.8 mph
70 mph72.1 mph
80 mph82.4 mph

Other sizes close to 255/35R20

Questions

Can I replace 255/35R20 with 285/35R20?

285/35R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/35R20: the diameter differs by +3.06%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 255/35R20 and 285/35R20?

285/35R20 is 0.83" taller and 30 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.41". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 61.8 mph.

Will 285/35R20 fit on 255/35R20 wheels?

Both use a 20" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 285 mm tire and the fender clearance.