Just had some 225/40/18's installed on Friday and I wanted to pass along my findings after a long weekend trip:

Driving home I tried a couple of moves I might have tried in my OEM Bridgestones on an on ramp at speed and a 90 degree turn into my neighborhood at speed. Got a lot of squealing and much less turn-in than with the Bridgestones. The sidewall, though smaller than stock, appears to be much less rigid and prone to rollover.

The interstate drive itself was great. The tires are very quiet, have good manners in the rain, and have a very smooth ride. If you're not driving it at 8/10, I couldn't be happier given the price.

Bottom line - I'm disappointed with the handling I gave up, but with a 420 tread rating, I expect to get much more than the 19,400 miles out of the Bridgestones. The lower profiles give it a more aggressive look, the tread looks aggressive, and the tires appear noticeably wider giving it (yes, once again) an aggressive look. Seems to be more form over function with the looks, but unless you're driving like a maniac you'll be pretty happy. Straight line performance (in the rain, too) appears to be at least equal to the Potenzas. As a replacement tire, I'd give it an 8 of 10, and I likely won't be back at Discount tire at 38K either.

 

Correction - 245/40/18's - sorry.

 

next time try the kuhmo mx, a very grippy tire that has a 220 treadwear rating only....but its VERY grippy

 

How is the sidewall smaller from the stock wheels as they're both 40? me no intende...

 

stock = 45

 

d'oh