CarSpecsHQ

285/40R20 vs 235/55R20

235/55R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 285/40R20: the diameter differs by +4.14%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

20" rim
285/40R20 28.98" · 235/55R20 30.18" · drawn to scale

Side by side

285/40R20235/55R20Difference
Overall diameter28.98"30.18"+1.20" (+4.14%)
Section width285 mm235 mm-50 mm
Sidewall4.49"5.09"+0.60"
Rim20"20"same
Circumference91.0"94.8"+3.8"
Revs per mile696668-28
Ride height——+0.60"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.5+2.5 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.5 mph

With 235/55R20 on a car calibrated for 285/40R20, the speedometer reads 57.6 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.1%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.2 mph
45 mph46.9 mph
60 mph62.5 mph
70 mph72.9 mph
80 mph83.3 mph

Other sizes close to 285/40R20

Questions

Can I replace 285/40R20 with 235/55R20?

235/55R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 285/40R20: the diameter differs by +4.14%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 285/40R20 and 235/55R20?

235/55R20 is 1.20" taller and 50 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.60". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.5 mph.

Will 235/55R20 fit on 285/40R20 wheels?

Both use a 20" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 235 mm tire and the fender clearance.