CarSpecsHQ

255/45R20 vs 295/40R20

295/40R20 is a safe swap for 255/45R20 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +0.88%.

20" rim
255/45R20 29.04" · 295/40R20 29.29" · drawn to scale

Side by side

255/45R20295/40R20Difference
Overall diameter29.04"29.29"+0.26" (+0.88%)
Section width255 mm295 mm+40 mm
Sidewall4.52"4.65"+0.13"
Rim20"20"same
Circumference91.2"92.0"+0.8"
Revs per mile695689-6
Ride height——+0.13"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.060.5+0.5 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 60.5 mph

With 295/40R20 on a car calibrated for 255/45R20, the speedometer reads 59.5 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 0.9%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph30.3 mph
45 mph45.4 mph
60 mph60.5 mph
70 mph70.6 mph
80 mph80.7 mph

Other sizes close to 255/45R20

Questions

Can I replace 255/45R20 with 295/40R20?

295/40R20 is a safe swap for 255/45R20 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +0.88%.

What's the difference between 255/45R20 and 295/40R20?

295/40R20 is 0.26" taller and 40 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.13". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 60.5 mph.

Will 295/40R20 fit on 255/45R20 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.