CarSpecsHQ

255/40R20 vs 235/45R20

235/45R20 is a safe swap for 255/40R20 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +1.05%.

20" rim
255/40R20 28.03" · 235/45R20 28.33" · drawn to scale

Side by side

255/40R20235/45R20Difference
Overall diameter28.03"28.33"+0.30" (+1.05%)
Section width255 mm235 mm-20 mm
Sidewall4.02"4.16"+0.15"
Rim20"20"same
Circumference88.1"89.0"+0.9"
Revs per mile719712-7
Ride height——+0.15"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.060.6+0.6 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 60.6 mph

With 235/45R20 on a car calibrated for 255/40R20, the speedometer reads 59.4 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 1.1%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph30.3 mph
45 mph45.5 mph
60 mph60.6 mph
70 mph70.7 mph
80 mph80.8 mph

Other sizes close to 255/40R20

Questions

Can I replace 255/40R20 with 235/45R20?

235/45R20 is a safe swap for 255/40R20 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +1.05%.

What's the difference between 255/40R20 and 235/45R20?

235/45R20 is 0.30" taller and 20 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.15". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 60.6 mph.

Will 235/45R20 fit on 255/40R20 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.