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305/30R20 vs 235/45R20

235/45R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 305/30R20: the diameter differs by +4.12%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

20" rim
305/30R20 27.20" · 235/45R20 28.33" · drawn to scale

Side by side

305/30R20235/45R20Difference
Overall diameter27.20"28.33"+1.12" (+4.12%)
Section width305 mm235 mm-70 mm
Sidewall3.60"4.16"+0.56"
Rim20"20"same
Circumference85.5"89.0"+3.5"
Revs per mile741712-29
Ride height——+0.56"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.5+2.5 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.5 mph

With 235/45R20 on a car calibrated for 305/30R20, 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 305/30R20

Questions

Can I replace 305/30R20 with 235/45R20?

235/45R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 305/30R20: the diameter differs by +4.12%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 305/30R20 and 235/45R20?

235/45R20 is 1.12" taller and 70 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.56". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.5 mph.

Will 235/45R20 fit on 305/30R20 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.