Also Written As: 34525R20, 345 25R20, 345-25R20, 3452520, 345 25 20
The 345/25R20 tire is a modern radial size associated with performance and low-profile passenger car use in the modern radial era. Its very wide section width and short 25-series sidewall characterize it as a size chosen for aggressive stance, sharp steering response, and tight wheel-opening proportions rather than traditional tall-sidewall comfort. For buyers replacing an existing setup, this size is usually about preserving the intended width, height, and visual balance of a specialized performance application. Before selecting one, confirm load requirements, wheel width compatibility, and clearance at the fender, suspension, and inner wheelhouse, especially since a tire this wide leaves less room for fitment error.
The 345/25R20 measures 345 mm wide, carries a 25 aspect ratio, has a sidewall height of 3.4 inches, an overall diameter of 26.79 inches, and fits a 20.0-inch wheel.
Section Width: 13.58 in (345 mm) — This is the dimension to check first against fender lips, suspension components, and brake clearance.
Aspect Ratio: 25 — A higher number means a taller, rounder sidewall; a lower number means a lower, wider profile.
Sidewall Height: 3.40 in (86.36 mm) — Sidewall height determines how much cushioning the tire provides and how the profile fills the wheel opening.
Overall Diameter: 26.79 in (680.47 mm) — This determines ride height, wheel-opening fill, and speedometer accuracy — and is the first number to compare when evaluating any substitute size.
Rim Diameter: 20.0 in (508.0 mm) — This must match exactly — 345/25R20 cannot be mounted on any other rim diameter regardless of how other dimensions compare.
Circumference: 84.16 in (2137.66 mm) — Use this to compare how a substitute size will affect speedometer calibration.
Revolutions Per Mile: 752.9 — A meaningfully different value from a substitute size will alter speedometer and odometer readings.
Construction: Radial — Construction type affects ride feel, sidewall flex, handling behavior, and period-correctness for restoration.
Vehicles That Use 345/25R20
The 345/25R20 appears in vehicle usage from 2002 through 2004 on the Saleen S7, which places it firmly in specialized early-2000s performance territory rather than broad mainstream fitment. Use that application as a starting point, not a guarantee, because wheel width, offset, suspension clearance, and intended ride height all matter with a size this wide and low in profile.
Find answers to the most common questions about 345/25R20 tire sizing, fitment, compatibility, performance, maintenance, and replacement options.
Size Basics & Dimensions
What does 345/25R20 mean?
The 345/25R20 breaks down into four parts: 345 is the section width in millimeters, 25 is the aspect ratio, R means radial construction, and 20 is the wheel diameter in inches. Calculated from that code, the sidewall height is about 3.4 inches and the overall diameter is about 26.79 inches.
Unlike older alphanumeric or numeric sizing systems, the 345/25R20 tells you the tire's measured width and profile directly. It does not tell you everything, though. Wheel width, offset, load rating, and actual clearance still need to be checked on the vehicle, because two tires with the same nominal size can behave differently depending on wheel choice and chassis setup.
What size wheel does the 345/25R20 tire fit?
The 345/25R20 fits a 20.0-inch wheel, which equals 508.0 millimeters at the bead seat. That wheel diameter must match exactly, because the tire is built to lock onto a 20-inch rim and cannot be safely mounted on a different diameter.
Wheel diameter is only one part of the fitment picture. Buyers should also confirm the actual wheel width and offset being used, because a very wide, low-profile size like the 345/25R20 is more sensitive to wheel choice than a taller, narrower tire. If you are matching an existing setup, compare the current tire and wheel specifications before making a change.
How wide is the 345/25R20 tire?
The 345/25R20 has a section width of 345 millimeters, which is about 13.58 inches. That figure describes the widest point of the inflated tire from sidewall to sidewall, not the narrower tread area that actually contacts the road.
Section width is the number to watch when you are checking inner clearance, fender room, and suspension proximity. Tread width and contact patch shape can vary by tire design, but the section width is usually the first place a clearance problem shows up. On a size this wide, even small differences in wheel offset or ride height can make a visible and mechanical difference.
What is the overall diameter of the 345/25R20 tire?
The 345/25R20 has an overall diameter of about 26.79 inches, or roughly 680.47 millimeters. That measurement is the full mounted and inflated height from the ground to the top of the tire, straight through the center.
Overall diameter affects more than appearance. It influences ride height, wheel-opening fill, effective gearing, and speedometer behavior. If you are comparing the 345/25R20 to another size, diameter is one of the most important numbers to line up, especially when the goal is to preserve the vehicle's stance and avoid rubbing at full compression or steering lock.
How tall is the sidewall on the 345/25R20 tire?
The 345/25R20 has a calculated sidewall height of about 3.4 inches, or 86.25 millimeters. Because the aspect ratio is only 25, the sidewall is intentionally very short relative to the tire's overall width.
Short sidewalls are a defining trait of low-profile performance fitments. They sharpen the visual profile and reduce the amount of sidewall flex, but they also leave less cushion between the wheel and the road. On real streets, that means wheel condition, alignment, and suspension setup matter even more than they do with a taller series tire.
How many revolutions per mile does the 345/25R20 tire turn?
The 345/25R20 turns about 752.9 revolutions per mile. That number comes from the tire's approximate circumference of 84.16 inches and reflects how many full rotations it makes over one mile of travel.
Revolutions per mile are useful when comparing substitute sizes because they relate directly to speedometer and odometer behavior. A tire with a meaningfully different revolutions-per-mile figure will change how often the wheel turns for a given distance. When replacing the 345/25R20 with anything else, compare both overall diameter and revolutions per mile rather than relying on width alone.
Tire Compatibility & Fitment
What kinds of vehicles typically use the 345/25R20?
The 345/25R20 is associated with performance and low-profile passenger car use, not general-purpose everyday fitments. Its combination of a 345 mm section width, 25-series sidewall, and 20-inch wheel requirement places it in specialized applications where width, stance, and wheel package are central to the vehicle setup.
Fitment depends on much more than the size code alone. Buyers should confirm wheel width, wheel offset, brake clearance, fender room, and suspension travel before using the 345/25R20 on any vehicle. If the goal is to match an existing application, compare the current tire dimensions and wheel specifications closely instead of assuming another wide 20-inch tire will behave the same way.
Can the 345/25R20 be used as a replacement for another 20-inch tire size?
The 345/25R20 can be compared to other 20-inch sizes, but the 20-inch wheel diameter alone does not make it an interchangeable replacement. Its width and very short sidewall create a distinct overall package, so another 20-inch tire may change section width, overall diameter, clearance, and visual stance in ways that matter immediately.
When considering a substitute, compare overall diameter, section width, and revolutions per mile before focusing on appearance. A wider or taller option may contact the body or suspension, while a narrower or shorter option may alter wheel-opening fill and speedometer readings. Buyers should also verify load requirements and make sure the wheel itself is appropriate for the tire being considered.
Is the 345/25R20 appropriate for a period-correct restoration?
The 345/25R20 is a modern radial performance size, so it is generally better suited to contemporary or updated builds than to restorations judged for original-era presentation. Its low-profile proportions and modern construction reflect current performance styling rather than the look associated with earlier tall-sidewall factory fitments.
Drivers who prioritize road manners may prefer radial construction, but a judged restoration may call for a different tire type or visual proportion. If originality matters, compare the vehicle's original documentation, wheel size, and intended presentation before choosing the 345/25R20. If drivability matters more than historical accuracy, the decision becomes a matter of dimensions, clearance, and load suitability.
Performance & Driving Experience
How does the 345/25R20 affect ride comfort and steering feel?
The 345/25R20 is built around a very short 25-series sidewall, so it generally emphasizes steering immediacy and visual sharpness more than ride isolation. With only about 3.4 inches of sidewall, there is less flex and cushioning than you would expect from a taller-profile tire.
Ride and steering feel still depend on the vehicle's suspension condition, wheel width, alignment, and the tire's actual construction details. On rough pavement, a low-profile setup usually transmits more road texture into the chassis. On a properly sorted performance car, though, the 345/25R20 is often chosen because it preserves a deliberate low-profile response and a wide, planted appearance.
Is the 345/25R20 suitable for modern road use?
The 345/25R20 is a modern radial size, so it belongs to current-style road use rather than vintage bias-ply motoring. Its drivability on today's roads still depends on correct load matching, wheel compatibility, alignment, suspension health, and the actual condition and age of the tire being used.
Modern roads can be hard on very short sidewalls because potholes, sharp edges, and expansion joints leave less room for impact absorption. Buyers using the 345/25R20 should inspect wheels carefully, keep an eye on air retention and irregular wear, and avoid assuming that a performance-oriented size automatically forgives a compromised chassis or damaged wheel.
Why do overall diameter and revolutions per mile matter with the 345/25R20?
The 345/25R20 has an overall diameter of about 26.79 inches and turns roughly 752.9 revolutions per mile. Those numbers matter because they influence speedometer behavior, effective gearing, and how full the tire looks in the wheel opening when compared with another size.
Changing width without checking height can create results that look or drive differently than expected. A substitute with a taller diameter may raise the vehicle slightly and slow the indicated speed, while a shorter one may do the opposite. Anyone comparing alternatives to the 345/25R20 should treat diameter and revolutions per mile as core measurements, not secondary details.
Tire Brands & Quality
What should buyers look for when choosing the 345/25R20 from different manufacturers?
With the 345/25R20, the key buying factors are dimensional consistency, construction quality, load suitability, and how closely the tire matches the wheel and vehicle setup already in use. Because this is a very specialized low-profile size, small differences in shape or casing behavior can matter more than they do in more forgiving fitments.
Buyers should compare current sidewall markings, inspect how the existing tire fits the wheel opening, and decide whether the priority is preserving an established stance or changing it. A quality choice in the 345/25R20 is not just about name recognition; it is about choosing a tire whose size, construction, and intended use line up with the vehicle's real operating conditions.
Does radial construction matter when selecting the 345/25R20?
Yes, radial construction matters because the 345/25R20 is defined as a radial size, and construction influences ride feel, sidewall flex, and response. In a low-profile tire, those differences become more noticeable because there is less sidewall height available to mask the tire's behavior.
For most buyers in this size, the question is less about radial versus bias ply and more about how one radial design compares with another in a demanding fitment. Focus on accurate sizing, proper load matching, and a full set that behaves consistently. If the vehicle is being built for appearance as much as road use, keep the stance and overall tire height in mind as part of the quality decision.
Why is full-set consistency important with the 345/25R20?
Full-set consistency matters with the 345/25R20 because this size is often part of a carefully balanced wheel and tire package. Differences in casing shape, actual mounted width, or overall height from one tire to another can affect appearance, handling feel, and how evenly the vehicle sits.
Matching the entire set helps preserve predictable steering response and a uniform look across the vehicle. If you are replacing only one or two tires, compare the existing tires' actual dimensions, age, and wear pattern before mixing them with new ones. On a wide, low-profile fitment, uneven tire behavior is often more noticeable than it would be on a taller, narrower setup.
Maintenance & Longevity
How should the 345/25R20 be inspected in regular use?
The 345/25R20 should be checked routinely for cuts, bulges, cracking, uneven shoulder wear, and any sign of air loss. Because the sidewall is short, impacts that might go unnoticed on a taller tire can show up quickly as wheel damage, vibration, or localized sidewall distress.
Regular-service vehicles benefit from frequent visual inspections and prompt alignment checks if the tire starts wearing unevenly. Pay close attention after pothole strikes or curb contact, since low-profile sizes place the wheel closer to the road surface. Keeping the tire and wheel in good condition is especially important when there is very little sidewall height available to absorb abuse.
Does the 345/25R20 normally use a tube?
The 345/25R20 is normally a tubeless fitment. Even so, tube use is ultimately a wheel-and-tire-system question rather than a size question, so the actual tire, wheel design, and manufacturer guidance should be confirmed before making that decision.
Most buyers in this size will be working with modern-style wheels, but the important point is to verify the complete assembly rather than relying on the size code alone. If there is any doubt about wheel condition, bead-seat design, or how the tire is intended to be used, a qualified tire professional should inspect the setup before installation or road use.
How long can the 345/25R20 last if the vehicle is driven infrequently?
The 345/25R20 can age out before it wears out if the vehicle sees limited mileage. Tread depth is only part of the story, because time, heat, sunlight, ozone exposure, and long periods of inactivity can all shorten tire life even when the tire still looks usable at a glance.
Low-mileage vehicles should still have their tires inspected regularly for weathering, sidewall cracking, flat spotting, and changes in ride quality or vibration. Store the vehicle away from direct sunlight, electric motors, and damp conditions when possible. Before any long drive, inspect the 345/25R20 carefully and review the tire's current age and overall condition, not just the tread.
Safety & Regulations
When should the 345/25R20 be replaced for safety reasons?
The 345/25R20 should be replaced when it shows cracking, bulges, exposed cord, repeated air loss, impact damage, or uneven wear serious enough to affect road behavior. Tire age also matters, especially in a low-profile fitment where the wheel and sidewall may have seen harsh impacts even if the tread still appears decent.
Condition should take priority over appearance alone. Buyers should inspect the tire before long trips, after any hard road strike, and any time the vehicle develops vibration or pull. If there is uncertainty about structural condition, have the tire and wheel evaluated by a qualified tire professional rather than assuming the size itself makes the setup road-ready.
Is the 345/25R20 legal for street use everywhere?
Street-use legality for the 345/25R20 depends on the specific tire selected and the rules that apply where the vehicle is registered and driven. The size code alone does not confirm legality, construction approval, or whether a particular tire meets local inspection or road-use requirements.
Buyers should review the tire's current sidewall markings, confirm the intended road use, and check local requirements before relying on any tire for public-road driving. This is especially important with specialized performance sizes, where construction details and service intent can vary even when the nominal size stays the same.
What should buyers verify before taking the 345/25R20 on a long trip?
Before a long trip, buyers should inspect the 345/25R20 for air loss, irregular wear, cuts, bulges, and signs of wheel damage. It is also wise to confirm that the tire's overall condition, age, and load suitability match the vehicle's planned use, especially if the car has been sitting or recently encountered rough pavement.
Long-distance confidence comes from the complete setup, not from the size code by itself. Check wheel condition, make sure nothing is rubbing at full steering or suspension movement, and verify that the vehicle tracks properly without vibration. If the tire's service history is unclear, an inspection by a qualified tire professional is a sensible step before highway travel.