CarSpecsHQ

285/35R20 vs 255/40R20

255/40R20 is a safe swap for 285/35R20 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +0.64%.

20" rim
285/35R20 27.85" · 255/40R20 28.03" · drawn to scale

Side by side

285/35R20255/40R20Difference
Overall diameter27.85"28.03"+0.18" (+0.64%)
Section width285 mm255 mm-30 mm
Sidewall3.93"4.02"+0.09"
Rim20"20"same
Circumference87.5"88.1"+0.6"
Revs per mile724719-5
Ride height——+0.09"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.060.4+0.4 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 60.4 mph

With 255/40R20 on a car calibrated for 285/35R20, the speedometer reads 59.6 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 0.6%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph30.2 mph
45 mph45.3 mph
60 mph60.4 mph
70 mph70.4 mph
80 mph80.5 mph

Other sizes close to 285/35R20

Questions

Can I replace 285/35R20 with 255/40R20?

255/40R20 is a safe swap for 285/35R20 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +0.64%.

What's the difference between 285/35R20 and 255/40R20?

255/40R20 is 0.18" taller and 30 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.09". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 60.4 mph.

Will 255/40R20 fit on 285/35R20 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.