CarSpecsHQ

255/45R20 vs 295/45R20

295/45R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/45R20: the diameter differs by +4.88%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

20" rim
255/45R20 29.04" · 295/45R20 30.45" · drawn to scale

Side by side

255/45R20295/45R20Difference
Overall diameter29.04"30.45"+1.42" (+4.88%)
Section width255 mm295 mm+40 mm
Sidewall4.52"5.23"+0.71"
Rim20"20"same
Circumference91.2"95.7"+4.5"
Revs per mile695662-32
Ride height——+0.71"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.9+2.9 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.9 mph

With 295/45R20 on a car calibrated for 255/45R20, the speedometer reads 57.2 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.9%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.5 mph
45 mph47.2 mph
60 mph62.9 mph
70 mph73.4 mph
80 mph83.9 mph

Other sizes close to 255/45R20

Questions

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

295/45R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/45R20: the diameter differs by +4.88%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

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

295/45R20 is 1.42" taller and 40 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.71". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.9 mph.

Will 295/45R20 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.