CarSpecsHQ

285/45R20 vs 235/55R20

235/55R20 is a safe swap for 285/45R20 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +0.26%.

20" rim
285/45R20 30.10" · 235/55R20 30.18" · drawn to scale

Side by side

285/45R20235/55R20Difference
Overall diameter30.10"30.18"+0.08" (+0.26%)
Section width285 mm235 mm-50 mm
Sidewall5.05"5.09"+0.04"
Rim20"20"same
Circumference94.6"94.8"+0.2"
Revs per mile670668-2
Ride height——+0.04"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.060.2+0.2 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 60.2 mph

With 235/55R20 on a car calibrated for 285/45R20, the speedometer reads 59.8 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 0.3%.

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

Other sizes close to 285/45R20

Questions

Can I replace 285/45R20 with 235/55R20?

235/55R20 is a safe swap for 285/45R20 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +0.26%.

What's the difference between 285/45R20 and 235/55R20?

235/55R20 is 0.08" taller and 50 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.04". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 60.2 mph.

Will 235/55R20 fit on 285/45R20 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.