Tire Size 305/55r20 vs 35×12.50r20
Switching from 305/55R20 to 35×12.50R20 tires is a significant change that can impact your vehicle’s performance and handling. While the wider, taller tires offer some benefits, especially for off-road use, they also come with potential drawbacks.
- Taller sidewall by 0.91 inches (23.05 mm) or 13.7% for better off-road capability
- Reduced revolutions per mile by 31.47 (19.56 km) or 5.2% affecting gearing
- Inaccurate speedometer readings requiring recalibration
- Possible rubbing or clearance issues without proper vehicle adaptations
- Potential impact on gas mileage, ride comfort, and steering responsiveness
Fitment Guide
As the diameter difference between 305/55R20 and 35×12.50R20 tires exceeds the acceptable range of 3%, this interchange is not recommended without necessary adaptations.
Failure to make proper adjustments can result in rubbing, clearance problems, and other issues that may affect your vehicle’s performance and safety.
On-Road Impact
Switching to 35×12.50R20 tires can have several effects on your vehicle’s on-road performance. Here are some key aspects to consider:
- Speedometer Accuracy: The larger diameter of the 35×12.50R20 tires will cause your speedometer to read slower than your actual speed. At 20 mph (32.19 km/h), your actual speed will be 21.09 mph (33.95 km/h), which can be problematic if not recalibrated.
- Ride Comfort: The taller sidewall of the 35×12.50R20 tires may result in a slightly softer ride, as the increased air volume helps absorb road imperfections. However, the wider tread may cause increased road noise and a slightly less responsive steering feel.
- Gas Mileage: The larger, heavier 35×12.50R20 tires can negatively impact your vehicle’s gas mileage due to increased rolling resistance and weight.
Off-Road Impact
While the 35×12.50R20 tires may present some challenges on paved roads, they can offer significant benefits for off-road use:
- Ground Clearance: The taller sidewall of the 35×12.50R20 tires increases your vehicle’s ground clearance by 0.91 inches (23.05 mm), which can be advantageous when navigating rocky or uneven terrain.
- Traction: The wider tread of the 35×12.50R20 tires provides a larger contact patch with the ground, improving traction on loose surfaces like sand, mud, or gravel.
- Durability: Off-road-oriented tires like the 35×12.50R20 are typically constructed with more robust materials and tread designs that can better withstand the demands of off-road driving.
305/55r20 vs 35×12.50r20 Table
This table highlights the key differences between the two tire sizes of 305/55R20 and 35×12.5R20.
| Feature | 305/55R20 | 35×12.5R20 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter inches (mm) | 33.21 (843.5) | 35.02 (889.6) | 1.81 (46.1) +5.5% |
| Width inches (mm) | 12.01 (305) | 12.52 (318) | 0.51 (13) +4.3% |
| Circumference inches (mm) | 104.33 (2649.93) | 110.03 (2794.76) | 5.7 (144.83) +5.5% |
| Sidewall Height inches (mm) | 6.6 (167.75) | 7.51 (190.8) | 0.91 (23.05) +13.7% |
| Revolutions per mile (km) | 607.31 (377.37) | 575.84 (357.81) | -31.47 (-19.56) -5.2% |
| Speedo Reading | 20 mph | 21.09 mph | +1.09 mph |
What is the Difference Between 305/55R20 and 35×12.50R20?
The main difference between 305/55R20 and 35×12.50R20 tires is the overall diameter, with the latter being 1.81 inches (46.1 mm) or 5.5% larger than the former.
Can I Use 35×12.50R20 Instead of 305/55R20?
How Much Taller Is a 35×12.50R20 Tire Than a 305/55R20?
How Much Wider is a 35×12.50R20 Tire Than a 305/55R20?
Our Observation
While switching from 305/55R20 to 35×12.50R20 tires can offer some benefits, particularly for off-road use, it’s essential to consider the potential drawbacks.
The 5.5% difference in overall diameter exceeds the recommended range and can lead to issues like speedometer inaccuracy, rubbing, and clearance problems if proper adaptations are not made.
On-road, the larger tires may slightly improve ride comfort but can negatively impact gas mileage and steering responsiveness.
Off-road, the increased ground clearance and traction can be valuable assets, but it’s crucial to ensure your vehicle’s suspension and drivetrain components are compatible with the larger tires.
Ultimately, the decision to switch tire sizes should be based on your specific needs and driving habits. If you frequently tackle off-road terrain and value the increased capability, the 35×12.50R20 tires may be a worthy investment.
However, if you primarily drive on paved roads and prioritize fuel efficiency and on-road handling, sticking with the stock 305/55R20 tires may be the better choice.
Sabrina Khan Tisha, a lead writer at Tiresizecompare.com, brings a wealth of experience to her role. As the CEO of amarcalculator.com, she oversees a platform offering diverse calculation tools. Sabrina’s background in HR and office management, coupled with her numerous certifications, informs her approach to content creation. Her leadership and expertise contribute significantly to the automotive and calculation sectors.
