+2.43%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor
Speedometer error
With a speedometer calibrated to 265/40R20, fitting 255/45R20 makes it read as follows:
| Speedo shows | True speed | Speedo shows | True speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 km/h | 41.0 km/h | 25 mph | 25 mph |
| 60 km/h | 61.5 km/h | 37 mph | 38 mph |
| 80 km/h | 81.9 km/h | 50 mph | 51 mph |
| 100 km/h | 102.4 km/h | 62 mph | 64 mph |
| 120 km/h | 122.9 km/h | 75 mph | 76 mph |
Full comparison
265/40R20
Overall diameter720.0 mm · 28.35 in
Section width265 mm · 10.43 in
Sidewall height106.0 mm · 4.17 in
Circumference2261.9 mm · 89.1 in
Revolutions per mile711
Revolutions per km442
255/45R20
Overall diameter737.5 mm · 29.04 in
Section width255 mm · 10.04 in
Sidewall height114.8 mm · 4.52 in
Circumference2316.9 mm · 91.2 in
Revolutions per mile695
Revolutions per km432
+2.43%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor
Original
Overall diameter720 mm · 28.35 in
Sidewall height106 mm
Circumference2,261.9 mm
Revolutions / mile711.5
New
Overall diameter737.5 mm · 29.04 in
Sidewall height114.8 mm
Circumference2,316.9 mm
Revolutions / mile694.6
Speedometer & odometer error
The new tire changes overall diameter by +2.43%. With a speedometer calibrated to the original tire, that same percentage is how far the speedometer and odometer read off — a taller tire means your true speed is higher than indicated and the odometer under-counts distance.
| Speedo shows | True speed | Speedo shows | True speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 km/h | 41 km/h | 25 mph | 25 mph |
| 60 km/h | 61.5 km/h | 37 mph | 38 mph |
| 80 km/h | 81.9 km/h | 50 mph | 51 mph |
| 100 km/h | 102.4 km/h | 62 mph | 64 mph |
| 120 km/h | 122.9 km/h | 75 mph | 76 mph |
See individual specs: 265/40R20 · 255/45R20. A change this size can affect ABS/speed calibration — see wheel-speed codes if a light appears.