-0.32%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor
Speedometer error
With a speedometer calibrated to 295/35R21, fitting 255/45R20 makes it read as follows:
| Speedo shows | True speed | Speedo shows | True speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 km/h | 39.9 km/h | 25 mph | 25 mph |
| 60 km/h | 59.8 km/h | 37 mph | 37 mph |
| 80 km/h | 79.7 km/h | 50 mph | 50 mph |
| 100 km/h | 99.7 km/h | 62 mph | 62 mph |
| 120 km/h | 119.6 km/h | 75 mph | 74 mph |
Full comparison
295/35R21
Overall diameter739.9 mm · 29.13 in
Section width295 mm · 11.61 in
Sidewall height103.3 mm · 4.06 in
Circumference2324.5 mm · 91.5 in
Revolutions per mile692
Revolutions per km430
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
-0.32%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor
Original
Overall diameter739.9 mm · 29.13 in
Sidewall height103.3 mm
Circumference2,324.5 mm
Revolutions / mile692.4
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 -0.32%. 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 | 39.9 km/h | 25 mph | 25 mph |
| 60 km/h | 59.8 km/h | 37 mph | 37 mph |
| 80 km/h | 79.7 km/h | 50 mph | 50 mph |
| 100 km/h | 99.7 km/h | 62 mph | 62 mph |
| 120 km/h | 119.6 km/h | 75 mph | 74 mph |
See individual specs: 295/35R21 · 255/45R20. A change this size can affect ABS/speed calibration — see wheel-speed codes if a light appears.