CarSpecsHQ

285/40R20 vs 255/45R20

255/45R20 is a safe swap for 285/40R20 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +0.20%.

20" rim
285/40R20 28.98" · 255/45R20 29.04" · drawn to scale

Side by side

285/40R20255/45R20Difference
Overall diameter28.98"29.04"+0.06" (+0.20%)
Section width285 mm255 mm-30 mm
Sidewall4.49"4.52"+0.03"
Rim20"20"same
Circumference91.0"91.2"+0.2"
Revs per mile696695-1
Ride height——+0.03"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.060.1+0.1 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 60.1 mph

With 255/45R20 on a car calibrated for 285/40R20, the speedometer reads 59.9 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 0.2%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph30.1 mph
45 mph45.1 mph
60 mph60.1 mph
70 mph70.1 mph
80 mph80.2 mph

Other sizes close to 285/40R20

Questions

Can I replace 285/40R20 with 255/45R20?

255/45R20 is a safe swap for 285/40R20 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +0.20%.

What's the difference between 285/40R20 and 255/45R20?

255/45R20 is 0.06" taller and 30 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.03". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 60.1 mph.

Will 255/45R20 fit on 285/40R20 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.