JonDeutsch

I really like the look of the OEM 18" rims... really like 'em a lot on the new TL.

If I were to get them on-line ($1250/set), what tires would you recommend pairing with these... and are there any negative effects of 18" vs 17" tires as far as wear'n'tear, handling, noise, roughness, etc?

Any info appreciated!

Jon

Lore

I would imagine the ride being slightly stiffer due to the reduced tire sidewall.

Beyond that, I bet the 18s are really easily scratched when you hit a curb, etc. I really like the way they look too, especially since the darker gray matches the anthracite color of my car.

VTEC=happiness

Not sure on a tire recommendation, but as far as wear and tear, noise and roughness, this will depend on the size of the sidewall of the tire. If you get a really low profile tire, then they will wear out quickly and the bumps and road noise will increase significantly. As far as handling goes, as long as you get a decent tire you will be fine. I'm planning on switching to 18s or 19s, and would never do so if it would compromise my ride or the road noise. Stick with a slightly higher sidewall...you will get more for your money, a better ride, and you will fill in the wheel gap better.

As far as hitting a curb goes...again, it depends on the sidewall....if these wheels stick out much beyond it, then you will have a better chance of curbing the rims. I have not noticed that those stick out much. The stock 17s on my old CL-s stuck out like crazy...it sucked.

Bartman_RENAMED

I have the same situation. I have the OEM 18" wheels (from ebay) sitting in my living room waiting for a car, but I don't know what tires to put on them. Unfortunately, the advise that I have seen on this forum varies so much. I am leaning towards Continental Conti Extreme 245/40/18.

JonDeutsch

I was under the impression that you'd have to go low-profile on 18's because the car's suspension is setup for a certain 'total circumference' of the rim+tire.

Jon

HacksawHilliard

On another thread, I posted that I went with 265/35/18 without any problems with rubbing. I went with that size so I could have some protection against scratching the wheels plus I wanted to be able use the local brushless car wash.

What ever you decide to go with, have them only put on one first to make sure it won't rub.

ndabunka

Hacksaw - so yours don't rub "at all"? Have you had a full car load? What does the sidewall on yours look like? Do you have the complete dimensions on the ones you chose (i.e. contact patch, radius, etc)?

JonDeutsch

What does "rubbing" mean? What are these potential gotchas?

Jon

AMDG

I have the 18" wheels and they look terrific with the anthracite. I have the dealer option Yokohamas. They provide a firm ride and very good traction. However, they are a little "chirpy". When I'm not blasting the DVD-A, the tire noise is audible.

Biggest concern, however, is the wheel damage potential. It's real! I am a very careful driver, and promised myself I wouldn't get close to a curb. Alas, in just 6 weeks, I've had three mishaps - one parking garage entrance curb (never saw it coming), one driveway curb (thought I had clearance), and one that I'm still talking to myself about. Seems that the Yokos have real soft rubber. Got a nail in one and it went flat. Because the ride is firm, I wouldn't have noticed, but a driver next to me on the freeway pointed it out. I pulled over and changed the tire before any damage to the wheel. I thought! Turns out, when you remove the lug nuts and locks, the crow bar provided does not clear the wheel entirely on each rotation. I created little chips in the wheel every turn!

So, even though they look fabulous, I'm thinking of going back to the stock tires and wheels before I have another mishap. Fortunately, I kept the stock tires and wheels.

Something to consider carefully.

Swat Dude

I don't know anything about the 18's but you should put your name on a trucker hat.

HacksawHilliard

I've had a full car load (4 people) after the tires went on. Didn't experience any rubbing. Don't know what the stats are but I'll try and find out. I get my camera back in the next couple days so I'll take photos and post them.

rkilian

The current stock 18" are 18x8.5, wait a while if you want the stock wheels. Acura is coming out with 18x8. The 18x8.5 extend quite a bit from the tire sidewall.
I have SSR GT-1 18x8 with 245/40/18 and there is no rubbing whatsoever.

danno

HACKSAW, so there is no rubbing especially in the front? Thats great if thats the case. I might try 255s with the stock 17s. I think the Yokos ES100s. What do you think?

jdl75

The 18" is more suseptable to flat spots or bending when you encounter a pothole.

The 18" will definately handle better; I've had great success with the Bridgestone RE750. I know the stock B-stones suck, but it's due to the poly cords flattening out when parked. The -750's don't ha.ve this problem. I have about 15,000 miles on mine and love 'em

jdl75

That would be the tire rubbing in the wheel well.

JonDeutsch

How can the tire rub the wheel well??? That sounds like a serious sizing issue.

Jon

ndabunka

rkillian- Although it depends a great deal on the manufacture of the tire, 245/40/18 "should" be within specifications size-wise. Your's also has the eibach 1.5" drop too, right? Most interested in how and which 265's this guy got to work...