CarSpecsHQ

255/50R20 vs 285/50R20

285/50R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/50R20: the diameter differs by +3.93%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

20" rim
255/50R20 30.04" · 285/50R20 31.22" · drawn to scale

Side by side

255/50R20285/50R20Difference
Overall diameter30.04"31.22"+1.18" (+3.93%)
Section width255 mm285 mm+30 mm
Sidewall5.02"5.61"+0.59"
Rim20"20"same
Circumference94.4"98.1"+3.7"
Revs per mile671646-25
Ride height——+0.59"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.4+2.4 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.4 mph

With 285/50R20 on a car calibrated for 255/50R20, the speedometer reads 57.7 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.9%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.2 mph
45 mph46.8 mph
60 mph62.4 mph
70 mph72.8 mph
80 mph83.1 mph

Other sizes close to 255/50R20

Questions

Can I replace 255/50R20 with 285/50R20?

285/50R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/50R20: the diameter differs by +3.93%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 255/50R20 and 285/50R20?

285/50R20 is 1.18" taller and 30 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.59". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.4 mph.

Will 285/50R20 fit on 255/50R20 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.