Why is it that our site recommends using a tire for our Stock TL-S Rims that is ill-advised by tire rack. The potenza RE-730 is suggested by our site. When ispoke to tirerack.com, they said this isn't an acceptable size, and is not safe.

Where is our basis for determining that this tire is safe?!?!

tire rack recommends 215or225/50R/17 as the ONLY two acceptable sizes.

I don't know a whole lot about tires and aspect ratios but, i would consider changing our "recommended tire" to a safer one, if aggressive cornering and driving could force the tire to slip off the rim.

 

I think you make assumptions that you might not want to. Tire Rack is a commercial enterprise, and it wants to sell tires and wheels, and minimize warranty and customer service adjustments. The recommendations for the TL reflect those priorities, not those of us on the site. Plus, TR cannot possibly check out all the combos, esp with lowering springs, etc, which Forum members can provide.

I bought from TR, and in fact the stock size tires rubbed against the left rear plastic tab on the rear bumber cover, which I filed off. IMHO, 225/45-17 on a lowered car would be perfect on a 7 - 7.5: rim, and no, it won't "slip off".

 

But on a 6.5" rim (stock TL-S), you're pushing it.

 

Thank you for the input. don't get pissed when I ask, (but the TLS isn't a 7-7.5" rim) it is 6.5, we(our site) recommends the 45 aspect ratio for the 6.5" rim.

I am merely asking if it is safe to put that size tire on a 6.5" rim. and if so how do you know?

 

good question

 

Going a 1/2" shy on the 7" recommended rim width isn't going to do you in (I would be more concerned about the load rating). There are a number of manufacturers that have put tires on rims that were 1/2" too narrow. (OTOH -- if you ever have a blow-out or other problem, you've "broken" the rules, so watch out!)

When shopping for the 225/45-17, the load rating is 91 SL in most of the high performance tires. The stock tires are 93 XL.

If you go with a non-XL tire and it has a lower load rating to boot, watch the passenger load, temps, and continuous max speed...

The Toyo T1S Proxy in a 225/45-17 has a reinforced casing with a load rating of 94. Most of the max- and ultra-high-performance tires on TireRack will have a load rating of 91 (in the 225/45-17)...

 

eric hit the point...i was gonna say you have to be aware of load ratings too!