CarSpecsHQ

255/40R20 vs 295/40R20

295/40R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/40R20: the diameter differs by +4.49%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

20" rim
255/40R20 28.03" · 295/40R20 29.29" · drawn to scale

Side by side

255/40R20295/40R20Difference
Overall diameter28.03"29.29"+1.26" (+4.49%)
Section width255 mm295 mm+40 mm
Sidewall4.02"4.65"+0.63"
Rim20"20"same
Circumference88.1"92.0"+4.0"
Revs per mile719689-31
Ride height——+0.63"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.7+2.7 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.7 mph

With 295/40R20 on a car calibrated for 255/40R20, the speedometer reads 57.4 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.5%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.3 mph
45 mph47.0 mph
60 mph62.7 mph
70 mph73.1 mph
80 mph83.6 mph

Other sizes close to 255/40R20

Questions

Can I replace 255/40R20 with 295/40R20?

295/40R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/40R20: the diameter differs by +4.49%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 255/40R20 and 295/40R20?

295/40R20 is 1.26" taller and 40 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.63". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.7 mph.

Will 295/40R20 fit on 255/40R20 wheels?

Both use a 20" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 295 mm tire and the fender clearance.