Tire Width: Pros and Cons
 

Hi guys,

I'm looking at a new set of summer tires. Had the Poleposition S03's. 2 seasons and they are done. Looking at a cheap set of generals or kumhos.

Anyway I'm looking for some Pros and Cons of going 245 versus 225. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

All I know is the 245's typically are heavier but will give you better grip, also it kinda depends on which sidewall height you get. I only know a little bit about the subject but I hope that at least helps a bit

275 FTW

Attachment 270096

I have had the General Exclaim UHP tire's for a while on my DD wheels and theyve help up very well in heavy rain and also grip ok when warmed up. Tire tread should last 30-40K miles. I highly reccomend getting the 245/40/18 for your stock rims over another set of 225/45. Theres a negligable amount of mpg loss but you will feel the wider stance.

Thanks for the quick reply's guys, very informative. With regards to ride comfort and road noise. Currently the S03s are very loud and ruff. The side wall is extremely hard from what I've gathered. Would a wider tire be more uncomfortable? Or would the fact that i'm going to a tire with a softer sidewall negate this issue?

Actually right now my DD tires (the generals) are 245/35/19 and are very quiet (in relation to other tires Ive driven on) and only slightly more bumpy than a 45 sidewall. Of course this all depends how stiff your suspension is haha. The new Ecsta SPT has also gotten some good reviews.

TW Pro: add'l road contact surface
TW Con: add'l road contact surface

In track/autocross you're looking for as much wide and low profile contact surface and sidewall as possible to facilitate hard turning.

On the highway you're looking for narrower contact and taller profile to improve straight line performance/fuel efficiency (snow driving even narrower/taller so as not to "snow plow"). Also, lane changes with very wide tires may be abrupt.

The stock 225x45 is a good compromise between highway and byway performance needs.

Of course aesthetics throws a curveball into the mix.

Wider/lower profile tires tend to yield a harder ride as there is not as much shock absorption as taller sidewall tires.

So as always, it depends on your application and local road conditons.

thanks for the tips. I'll definately go for the 245s. What made you decide to go down to 35 instead of a 40?

Thanks!

Well it's for a 19" rim, so 35 is an easier fit. But for 18" you defintely want the 40 sidewall

245x40 on the stock 18x8 rims is a very popular upgrade. You will have to be a bit more conscious of more aggressive 'bite' during highway lane changes due to the wider contact surface. The 40 profile is as low as I dare go given the uneven road conditions here; tires being an integral part of the overall suspension system.

Honestly I have not felt a difference between the 45 of the stock tire and the 35 of these tires. And hardly any 'bite' even on my 275 track tires during lane changes; maybe Im just used to it I dont know lol :dunno:

Depending on the 19's width, you may have to go with a 30mm sidewall.
I did with my 265/30/19 on my 19x9.5 rears. The difference in grip is undeniable. I also upgraded from a Kuhmo SPT to a Nitto NT555.

Yup, you're just used to it now. We hu-mons adapt to change pretty readily. ;)

Lovin' my T1R's. :)