CarSpecsHQ

285/40R20 vs 285/45R20

285/45R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 285/40R20: the diameter differs by +3.87%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

20" rim
285/40R20 28.98" · 285/45R20 30.10" · drawn to scale

Side by side

285/40R20285/45R20Difference
Overall diameter28.98"30.10"+1.12" (+3.87%)
Section width285 mm285 mm0 mm
Sidewall4.49"5.05"+0.56"
Rim20"20"same
Circumference91.0"94.6"+3.5"
Revs per mile696670-26
Ride height——+0.56"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.3+2.3 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.3 mph

With 285/45R20 on a car calibrated for 285/40R20, the speedometer reads 57.8 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.9%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.2 mph
45 mph46.7 mph
60 mph62.3 mph
70 mph72.7 mph
80 mph83.1 mph

Other sizes close to 285/40R20

Questions

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

285/45R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 285/40R20: the diameter differs by +3.87%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

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

285/45R20 is 1.12" taller and 0 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.56". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.3 mph.

Will 285/45R20 fit on 285/40R20 wheels?

Both use a 20" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 285 mm tire and the fender clearance.