I have an OEM wheel and I was wondering if I could fit a 215-45-18 on it (original is 215-50-17).

What do the middle and last numbers mean? Does the 45-18 look skinnier and taller? Am I reading that right?

The 45-18s are a bit more expensive than the 50-17s. I'm planning on getting the Conti DWS (based on reviews here)..... but I don't know what size is better. Will the 45-18 make it sportier and better for snow/ice - but trade off on mileage?

Please help a noob

 

you can't fit 215-45-18 on 17 inch wheels... that tire size applies to 18 inch wheels only
the 1st set of numbers indicates the width of the tire (215), the number in the middle indicates the size of the side walls (45) the lower the number the skinnier the tire will be & the last number indicates the wheel size (18). hope this info is helpful

 

Thanks! I feel like a total idiot for asking that now. 215-50-17s it is...

 

You could also put 225/45/17s on as well if you want a bit more meat to your tires. It has the same rolling circumference as the 215/50/17 but it does prefer a wider wheel (7.5"+)

 

Yes and no. They (the 225/45x17 size) would look a little wider (because they are), and I agree that they'd like a wider wheel. But.... they're shorter, so more revs per mile and they make a stock TSX (OE height I mean) look even more like a 4x4. Tire sizes are not that easy to understand, but not all that complicated either. The Tire Rack has tons of info available to anyone that might want to educate themself.