Question 1

Which tire is taller, 255/35 R21 or 265/40 R20?

Accepted Answer

265/40 R20 is taller by 8.1 mm (1.14%) compared with 255/35 R21.

Question 2

What is the diameter difference between 255/35 R21 and 265/40 R20?

Accepted Answer

255/35 R21 measures 712 mm overall diameter, 265/40 R20 measures 720 mm — a difference of 8.1 mm (1.14%).

Question 3

How much speedometer error does this change create?

Accepted Answer

Switching from 255/35 R21 to 265/40 R20 changes the speedometer reading by +1.14%. At an indicated 100 km/h, your true speed becomes about 101.1 km/h.

Question 4

Is 265/40 R20 a safe replacement for 255/35 R21?

Accepted Answer

Within ±3% diameter — generally considered a safe replacement from a speedometer-error standpoint, provided wheel offset, rim width and clearance also match your vehicle.

Question 5

What else should I check before changing tire size?

Accepted Answer

Beyond diameter and speedometer error, verify wheel offset (ET), rim width, hub bore, load index, brake and suspension clearance, and your vehicle's manufacturer specification. Local regulations may also limit how far you can deviate from OEM.

Metric	255/35 R21	265/40 R20	Difference
Overall diameter	711.9 mm	720.0 mm	+8.1 mm (+1.14%)
Sidewall height	89.3 mm	106.0 mm	+16.8 mm
Circumference	2.236 m	2.262 m	+25.4 mm
Revs / km	447.1	442.1	-5.0
Ground clearance	reference	+4.1 mm	+4.1 mm
Speedometer @ 100 km/h	100.0 km/h	101.1 km/h	+1.14 km/h

255/35 R21 vs 265/40 R20

Detailed comparison

Verdict: excellent

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