CarSpecsHQ

275/40R20 vs 275/45R20

275/45R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 275/40R20: the diameter differs by +3.78%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

20" rim
275/40R20 28.66" · 275/45R20 29.74" · drawn to scale

Side by side

275/40R20275/45R20Difference
Overall diameter28.66"29.74"+1.08" (+3.78%)
Section width275 mm275 mm0 mm
Sidewall4.33"4.87"+0.54"
Rim20"20"same
Circumference90.0"93.4"+3.4"
Revs per mile704678-26
Ride height——+0.54"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.3+2.3 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.3 mph

With 275/45R20 on a car calibrated for 275/40R20, the speedometer reads 57.8 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.8%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.1 mph
45 mph46.7 mph
60 mph62.3 mph
70 mph72.6 mph
80 mph83.0 mph

Other sizes close to 275/40R20

Questions

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

275/45R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 275/40R20: the diameter differs by +3.78%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

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

275/45R20 is 1.08" taller and 0 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.54". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.3 mph.

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

Both use a 20" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 275 mm tire and the fender clearance.