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255/35R20 vs 305/35R20

305/35R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/35R20: the diameter differs by +5.10%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

20" rim
255/35R20 27.03" · 305/35R20 28.41" · drawn to scale

Side by side

255/35R20305/35R20Difference
Overall diameter27.03"28.41"+1.38" (+5.10%)
Section width255 mm305 mm+50 mm
Sidewall3.51"4.20"+0.69"
Rim20"20"same
Circumference84.9"89.2"+4.3"
Revs per mile746710-36
Ride height——+0.69"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.063.1+3.1 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 63.1 mph

With 305/35R20 on a car calibrated for 255/35R20, the speedometer reads 57.1 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 5.1%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.5 mph
45 mph47.3 mph
60 mph63.1 mph
70 mph73.6 mph
80 mph84.1 mph

Other sizes close to 255/35R20

Questions

Can I replace 255/35R20 with 305/35R20?

305/35R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/35R20: the diameter differs by +5.10%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 255/35R20 and 305/35R20?

305/35R20 is 1.38" taller and 50 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.69". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 63.1 mph.

Will 305/35R20 fit on 255/35R20 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.