CarSpecsHQ

275/40R20 vs 255/45R20

255/45R20 is a safe swap for 275/40R20 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +1.30%.

20" rim
275/40R20 28.66" · 255/45R20 29.04" · drawn to scale

Side by side

275/40R20255/45R20Difference
Overall diameter28.66"29.04"+0.37" (+1.30%)
Section width275 mm255 mm-20 mm
Sidewall4.33"4.52"+0.19"
Rim20"20"same
Circumference90.0"91.2"+1.2"
Revs per mile704695-9
Ride height——+0.19"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.060.8+0.8 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 60.8 mph

With 255/45R20 on a car calibrated for 275/40R20, the speedometer reads 59.2 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 1.3%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph30.4 mph
45 mph45.6 mph
60 mph60.8 mph
70 mph70.9 mph
80 mph81.0 mph

Other sizes close to 275/40R20

Questions

Can I replace 275/40R20 with 255/45R20?

255/45R20 is a safe swap for 275/40R20 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +1.30%.

What's the difference between 275/40R20 and 255/45R20?

255/45R20 is 0.37" taller and 20 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.19". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 60.8 mph.

Will 255/45R20 fit on 275/40R20 wheels?

Both use a 20" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 255 mm tire and the fender clearance.