Shopping for winter tires for our 2018 RDX. Remember reading that it's actually better to downsize for winter tires. The current OEM tires are 18". Is it better to downsize to 17" or 16"? Thanks.

 

It is better to downsize for a few reasons:

1. smaller wheel = more tire sidewall = more cushion for those potholes (sacrifices handling responsiveness)
2. a thinner tire concentrates the weight of the vehicle onto a smaller contact patch, which helps on cutting through the snow so to speak ( sacrifices cornering ability)
3.tires are generally cheaper for smaller rims. (save you money)

I looked up tire size alternatives to the stock 235/60R18 size, and unfortunately only tires with a 235 width will keep you closest to original tire diameter. So essentially I would use either a 235/65r17 or if you can find 16 inch wheels that will clear the calipers you can use a 235/70R16. I am currently in the process of trying to find a steel wheel from a 2012-2016 Honda CR-V LX to try and test fit it on my 2013 RDX, but no one wants to let me borrow their wheel.

 

I tried to put on the 2012 - 2016 16 inch steel OEM CRV wheels today and I can confirm they do not fit. you have to go with 17s