Wider Tires On Stock Rims?

[docta13]

So I know stock 17" tires are 215/50/17. I'd like to go just a tad wider to help protect curb rash, which the previous owner of my car took no care of. Also a wider tire cannot hurt my traction either.

I know there are slight changes that might occur to the speedometer reading or other slight differences when doing this. I'd like to see if having a slightly wider tire is a good idea.

What do you all think and what size should I go for to suit my needs?

Thanks!

[BlackCherry06]

I've found on several cars that 225/45 has been a good performance / ride compromise. They'll be a slightly smaller overall diameter than your stockers, causing a fast speedo. You could probably get away with going up to a 235/45 which would put your speedo very nearly dead-on, and would definitely add some rim protection at the expense of a good sidewall fit. Bulging outward or inward causes a performance (and in extreme cases, a safety) compromise so for that reason, 235s wouldn't be my first choice for these wheels.

[SANDMAN.3]

Had 235/50/17 Michelins on my stocks (used only in winter) ... ride and handling still excellent. No rub. Seems to protect rims but then again haven't curb check the rims yet.

[Mz6GreyGhost]

Try 225/50s. The speedometer error is less than the 225/45s, and since most speedos read 1-2 MPH too fast (well, mine does ), it'll help to give a more accurate speed.

I plan on bumping up to this size for my next tire purchase, and I haven't heard any issues with rubbing (using stock rims).

[mdogg]

I would NOT go with 235/45R17s..... they are meant for 7.5-9.0 inch rims. The OEMs are only 7" wide I believe....

225/45 or 225/50 are your best options if you want wider tires without changing your wheels. Keep in mind that with the wider tire, there will be more sidewall flex which doesn't really help your cornering ability. But, then again, if you are not racing or concerned with performance, it might not even matter.

[docta13]

I would NOT go with 235/45R17s..... they are meant for 7.5-9.0 inch rims. The OEMs are only 7" wide I believe....

225/45 or 225/50 are your best options if you want wider tires without changing your wheels. Keep in mind that with the wider tire, there will be more sidewall flex which doesn't really help your cornering ability. But, then again, if you are not racing or concerned with performance, it might not even matter.[/b]

Another aspect I want to consider is how it will look when changing tire size? Will 225/45 make the overall diameter look too small? Or will 225/50 give my car that ugly tire-bloat/lifted look?

I'm wondering how worth it is to get wider tires.

[Slade]

Here is what the two sizes look like compared to the stock size of 225/50/17:
[attachment=28053:225_45.JPG][attachment=28054:225_50.JPG]

[posttosh]

I've found on several cars that 225/45 has been a good performance / ride compromise. They'll be a slightly smaller overall diameter than your stockers, causing a fast speedo. You could probably get away with going up to a 235/45 which would put your speedo very nearly dead-on, and would definitely add some rim protection at the expense of a good sidewall fit. Bulging outward or inward causes a performance (and in extreme cases, a safety) compromise so for that reason, 235s wouldn't be my first choice for these wheels.[/b]

235/45 is not an option on a 7" rim.

225/45 is an option, but not a good option, on a 7" rim (the sidewall, shorter than OEM, ends up canted too far from the vertical).

225/50 is a good option on a 7" rim (the sidewall, longer than OEM, has flex room).

[docta13]

235/45 is not an option on a 7" rim.

225/45 is an option, but not a good option, on a 7" rim (the sidewall, shorter than OEM, ends up canted too far from the vertical).

225/50 is a good option on a 7" rim (the sidewall, longer than OEM, has flex room).[/b]

I've done a lot of searching and it seems as though most people don't rub with 225/50. I think these would be my best bet to go wider without any complications. Also noticed that if I have a tire with a less-bulging sidewall, then the chance of no rubbing is even better.

[drscottdo]

Hey thanks for the great thread. I have the same thoughts. Not quite willing to make the plunge to get new rims/tires, but the stockers sure stick out pretty far.