GaddAMIT

well my mom took my 2002TLS out and hit a curb and bent the 2 right rims pretty bad, and the steal belts in the tires broke as well. So I need to get 2 new rims and tires, but while I'm at it, I might as well get some new rims that I like. I live in Michigan, and the winters have a lot of snow on the ground. If I switch to 18s, will I not be able to drive my car in the winter? I've heard that since you go for a higher size, you won't get enough grip in the snow? Is this accurate, or will the car hold the road just as well with the 18s in the snow? cause I can't afford to have 2 sets of rims.

Also, what do you suggest on tire/rim size that won't mess up my speedometer? I'm really don't know to much when it comes to rims/tires/offsets

Any help??

GaddAMIT

what is the usual size that people get on 18s, I know for 17s its either 225/45/17 or 215/50/17

GaddAMIT

sorry one more question what do they mean when they write 18x7.5 or 17 x 7, I know the first number is the tire size, but then what does the 7.5, and the 7 mean? tire width?? what is a good tire width?

roadman

Forget 18's in the snow, even the stock 17's will not be of much use. The theory is that a narrower tire pushes through easier than a wider tire. For the TL-S it is widely recommended that you go to a 205/60-16. The guys at Tirerack.com are very helpfull if you need to ask questions.

A search will definately find you a lot of info about snow tires.

roadman

7.5 or 7 refers to Rim width

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

Roadman is dead-on... I have 18's on my car... and they will be coming off this winter.. most likely for 16s (possibly 17s). Plus, you're in Michigan.. where you get a lot more snow then me (especially lately), so you'd need snow tires even more....

Ray_Khan

it's not the diameter but the width that affects snow driving. Stay narrow for the winter. THe best bet is to run different wheels and tires for the summer nad winter. Some nice sticky and wide wheel/tires for the summer and some narrow wheels with winter tires for the winter. Even if you jsut run steel wheels to save a few $$$$ in the winter. It is more cost effective in the long run to run 2 sets of wheels/tires and it's safer as well. Here is a goood site for some OEM wheels.

http://www.aaarims.com/cgi-bin/Web_store/web_store.cgi

GaddAMIT

ok, what size 17s should I get then? cause I really can only afford one set of rims and tires, and I don't want to have to pay for stock rims again. whats the difference between 225/45/17 and 215/50/17

sorry for all the questions by the way

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

Honestly... we can keep answering you.. but I believe that the best thing to do is follow the link below. That's how I figured out what all of the numbers and sizes meant!!

Wheels: http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/tech/wheeltech.htm

Tires: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete...l/sidewall.htm

roadman

OK here you go, it does not get any easier than this. Tirerack will ship you mounted and balanced 205/60-16 Bridgestone WS-50 winter tires mounted on either Sport Edition Fox2 or Valore rims for $760 plus shipping which is around $60. Dunlop Sp Sport M2 tires will run you about $120 more.

As for what size tires for 17 inch wheels, go outside and look at what is on the car (215/50-17). As for the difference between 225/45's and 215/50's clue....more bubbles, do a search to find out the answer.

In the long run it will be less expensive to have two sets of wheels/tires plus you will be much better off in all seasons.

asloudasitgets

eww imagine 16's on the tl. god damn. horrifying.

Edward'TLS

Furthermore, the 16's will transform the TL-S sport sedan into a Ford Taurus or Hundai (sp?) Sonata impotent sedan.

GaddAMIT

no, I'm not getting 16s for sure, I think I might stick with 17s all year around, since everyone has been telling me not to have 18s on in the snow. But now I gots to find some good rims. Anyone know of any cheap places?

roadman

Do you read what people tell you ? Tirerack.com

As for not getting winter tires for sure, imagine what an accident would cost you in deducatables or worse if it is your fault if your summer tires cannot handle it in the snow. But at least your car will look cool on the flatbed !!!

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

Well, I don't know about you guys... but I'm not looking to keep my TL-S a mean street machine in 7 inches of snow.. hence 16" snow tires. Many people do this... several in fact on the CL board use TL-P rims with snows. Now I won't go that far most likely... probably 17's with snows.... but 16's are a possibility.....

I'd rather have a Hyuandai for the snow anyway

VolkRacing

wow..makes me glad to live in southern california LoL

Mr Hyde

I am keeping my stock 17 inchers and tires for the winter, my 19's will be on for the rest of the year. The narrower the tire the better for cutting through snow, otherwise you end up sitting on top of the snow instead of cutting through it. When getting snow tires the usual recommendation is to drop one inch in rim diameter and get narrower tires.

Also this is very important; dont forget that very few 17 inch + low profile high performance tires are all season tires. Alot are summer only, and will have no traction in the winter. If you need this one set of rims and tires all year round, make sure you get all season tires.

samkws

does 225/40/18 works??
with the rim size 7.5

roadman

Mr. Hyde,

Just to add to your totaly correct statement about tires. There are no HP all-season tires in the stock size that fit the stock wheels. Apparently the load ratings are not as high as the stock tires (according to tirerack)

The stock tires were so bad last year that I found I was leaving the car home whenever snow was forecast. I may end up getting an used set of TL 16 inch wheels and snows and put them on when snow is forecast or when I go up to Vermont.

Edward'TLS

I guess it all comes down to how often and how severe your area snows during the winter season. If it snows 7" at a time most of the winter, forget about performance, go for some taller, narrower winter tires.

In my area, it snows for at most four or five times during the winter at a couple of inches max. The only real use for winter tires is the ski trip to Whistler every other weekends. So I say I drive on clean bare roads 80% of the winter time. Therefore, I will not go for narrower, but even wider winter tires to compensate for their performance handicap in the dry.

If it snows, I just drive slower like everyone else. Even with narrower tires I still have to drive slow. Narrower tires won't make the car fly in the snow or drive as if in the dry.

Now, for the 80% time on dry roads during the winter, apart from the much decreased cornering ability, narrower snow tires also greatly increase the braking distance. The braking distance is greater even for the same width (215/50/17 if it exists) winter tires because of the softer rubber and construction. Going narrrower will only make it doublely worse.

I once tried to save money on my previous car by using oem sized winter tires and plus-one sized summer tires. I misjudged the stopping distance and hit someone during the winter using winter tires on a dry road. Only if my car could stop five feets shorter would save me a trip to the bodyshop. Needness to say, I went and bought a new set of plus-one sized winter tires/rims after driven out from the body shop.

Next month, I'll go and buy a set of 225/50/17 Blizzard LM-22 winter tires. It is the best V-rated winter tire released by Bridgestone just last month.