CarSpecsHQ

305/35R20 vs 305/40R20

305/40R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 305/35R20: the diameter differs by +4.23%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

20" rim
305/35R20 28.41" · 305/40R20 29.61" · drawn to scale

Side by side

305/35R20305/40R20Difference
Overall diameter28.41"29.61"+1.20" (+4.23%)
Section width305 mm305 mm0 mm
Sidewall4.20"4.80"+0.60"
Rim20"20"same
Circumference89.2"93.0"+3.8"
Revs per mile710681-29
Ride height——+0.60"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.5+2.5 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.5 mph

With 305/40R20 on a car calibrated for 305/35R20, the speedometer reads 57.6 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.2%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.3 mph
45 mph46.9 mph
60 mph62.5 mph
70 mph73.0 mph
80 mph83.4 mph

Other sizes close to 305/35R20

Questions

Can I replace 305/35R20 with 305/40R20?

305/40R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 305/35R20: the diameter differs by +4.23%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 305/35R20 and 305/40R20?

305/40R20 is 1.20" taller and 0 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.60". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.5 mph.

Will 305/40R20 fit on 305/35R20 wheels?

Both use a 20" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 305 mm tire and the fender clearance.