CarSpecsHQ

255/40R20 vs 285/40R20

285/40R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/40R20: the diameter differs by +3.37%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

20" rim
255/40R20 28.03" · 285/40R20 28.98" · drawn to scale

Side by side

255/40R20285/40R20Difference
Overall diameter28.03"28.98"+0.94" (+3.37%)
Section width255 mm285 mm+30 mm
Sidewall4.02"4.49"+0.47"
Rim20"20"same
Circumference88.1"91.0"+3.0"
Revs per mile719696-23
Ride height——+0.47"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.0+2.0 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.0 mph

With 285/40R20 on a car calibrated for 255/40R20, the speedometer reads 58.0 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.4%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.0 mph
45 mph46.5 mph
60 mph62.0 mph
70 mph72.4 mph
80 mph82.7 mph

Other sizes close to 255/40R20

Questions

Can I replace 255/40R20 with 285/40R20?

285/40R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/40R20: the diameter differs by +3.37%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 255/40R20 and 285/40R20?

285/40R20 is 0.94" taller and 30 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.47". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.0 mph.

Will 285/40R20 fit on 255/40R20 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.