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Anyone know how wide one can go above the 235? I seem to recall my brother went 245/45/17 when he had his 07 Type S, with no issues. Would 255 be an issue?
The two tires your asking about, 245/45 R17 and 255/40 R17 are somewhat larger in diameter and somewhat smaller in diameter respectively than the OEM tire size of 235/45 R17. Said another way, both tires will induce some speedometer and odometer error on your car. If you don't care, then the other issue might be rubbing at full steering lock for the 255s (pretty sure the 245s clear).
Another approach might be to look at different tires as some have wider tread widths than others. The older Pirelli Cintruato P7s I have on my car are in the correct 235/45 R17 size, however, they had a tread width wider than all but two brands of 245 section width tires available when I was shopping three years ago. The newer P7 IIs have reverted to the normal tread width of other tires in that size.
Spend some time on the Tirerack.com web site and look at the detailed specs for the various tires; that'll give you a pretty good idea of the variances available out there.
The older Pirelli Cintruato P7s I have on my car are in the correct 235/45 R17 size, however, they had a tread width wider than all but two brands of 245 section width tires available when I was shopping three years ago.
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This is really interesting to me, can always count on a informative response from you. Silly question, but how are they still considered 235, if they are wider or as wide as 245? Simply because of tread width?
The measurement is, as you suggested, section width (the width used in the calculation) vs. tread width (ignored in the size calculation). Some tires have kind of a rounded sidewall with a narrower tread block, others, like the older P7s on my car, have a more slab sided sidewall and a wider tread block. At the time I was surprised to find the 235s I ended up buying were, in many cases, more than an inch wider in the tread block department than other brands and models of 235s.
Where's the mind blown emoji lol! I just think coupled with the quad tips a "beefier" back side would look nice. But I would prefer to go the same size tire on all 4 corners. I'm doing this on my 08 (as it'll be tire time this spring) and plan on leaving the 07 with the oem size (4 new Nokians) bought in early November.
A lot of members have used 255/40/17 with no issues. Like horseshoez said, your Speedo and odometer may be off slightly.
I chose to run 245/40/17 on my factory 17’s, no problems. Just slightly smaller OD. When I switched to a specs I chose the 245/40/18...just for a lil more width...
A lot of members have used 255/40/17 with no issues. Like horseshoez said, your Speedo and odometer may be off slightly.
I chose to run 245/40/17 on my factory 17’s, no problems. Just slightly smaller OD. When I switched to a specs I chose the 245/40/18...just for a lil more width...
Very helpful, preferred set up all 4 corners...
245/45/17
Really preferred set up...
255/45/17, unless 40 is the only option not 45
So 245 cause no rub, and it's possible to find certain 235's that are indeed wider than some 245's. At least there were 3 years ago. And as always...$
So 245 cause no rub, and it's possible to find certain 235's that are indeed wider than some 245's. At least there were 3 years ago. And as always...$
There are tires made in 255/45 R17 size, but they are a full inch in diameter larger than the stock size. That is large enough to definite induce noticeable speedometer and odometer error; you would be traveling faster and driving further than indicated.
The measurement is, as you suggested, section width (the width used in the calculation) vs. tread width (ignored in the size calculation). Some tires have kind of a rounded sidewall with a narrower tread block, others, like the older P7s on my car, have a more slab sided sidewall and a wider tread block. At the time I was surprised to find the 235s I ended up buying were, in many cases, more than an inch wider in the tread block department than other brands and models of 235s.
I've seen you mentioned this in the past and I've always been curious about it. When you have time, can you take a picture of the tire sitting on the ground from the front or rear, I'm just curious about the contact area.
There are tires made in 255/45 R17 size, but they are a full inch in diameter larger than the stock size. That is large enough to definite induce noticeable speedometer and odometer error; you would be traveling faster and driving further than indicated.
Doesn't read to me like it would be worth going 255. Obviously more money, and the cons outweigh the pro's. And as far as going with 245 will it be that more of a visual difference over 235..,I'd think not. Unless someone is bored and can tell me how 245/45 will be better then 235/45 I'll most likely stick with oem size. I really was wanting a upgraded "look' not a big upgrade in performance if that makes sense. I don't buy the top of the line tires, but I don't buy the cheap ones either, very much somewhere in the middle or maybe a tad higher. I saw Bridgestone Potenza's (pretty sure) today online at more than place for $837 per. Crazy imo
I've seen you mentioned this in the past and I've always been curious about it. When you have time, can you take a picture of the tire sitting on the ground from the front or rear, I'm just curious about the contact area.
I am as well, I'm basically just looking for more width. But if that comes with sacrificing many intangibles it's not worth it TO me. With the quad tips and wider tires it would just get that "look" I like. But that's why I come here, so many guys more experienced. horseshoez might be a retired engineer lol
I am as well, I'm basically just looking for more width. But if that comes with sacrificing many intangibles it's not worth it TO me. With the quad tips and wider tires it would just get that "look" I like. But that's why I come here, so many guys more experienced. horseshoez might be a retired engineer lol
Well, kinda-sorta....
True, I left the world of automotive engineering back in the mid-2000s (left for greener pastures, but not "retired") and ended up in the world of Conversational AI; while I am no longer an "engineer" by title, much of what I do in this new space leverages many of the skills I used in my previous life. One of the funny anecdotes I've used to relate some of my experiences in this new discipline is, "On one occasion I was presented with a challenge which triggered a memory of something I did, and subsequently forgot, back in 1982. Reviving that trick/technique ended up paying huge dividends."
I've seen you mentioned this in the past and I've always been curious about it. When you have time, can you take a picture of the tire sitting on the ground from the front or rear, I'm just curious about the contact area.
I'll take a few pictures over the next day or two and post them.
Ha! I kinda thought I might be on the right track with this. I do always appreciate your insight, always very helpful.. I'm still torn on those damn slotted/drilled rotors though! On the daily a hard no, on the rarely it's still a hhhmmm....
Ok first off 255/40/17 is closer to OEM diameter than 245/40/17 that I ran for awhile. Actually two sets of Bridgestone potenza RE760. I’m also lowered some, so visually it looked great. And was more rubber on the ground. I would’ve gone 255 but the shop I trust for installation wouldn’t put it on an 8” wide wheeel. Weird cause so many members here have had no problems getting them installed.
First find a few tires you’re thinking about, and check the overall diameter of the different sizes. 245/45/17 isn’t bad, it was just a lil tall for my liking.
I chose the 245/40/18 on the a spec wheels to have more rubber on the ground. Next time I’m going to try 255/40/18 for more rim protection.
And if you’re looking for summer tires only, check out the Firehawk Indy 500, I really like mine. Closely comparable to more expensive Michelin’s and Continental’s....
Last edited by Slpr04UA6; Dec 24, 2020 at 12:11 PM.
Ok first off 255/40/17 is closer to OEM diameter than 245/40/17
OEM is 235/45/17..., I'm not trying to be a smart ass but can you help me wrap my brain around how 255/40/17 is closer to OEM diameter than 245/40/17? I should maybe clarify I have no desire to ditch my oem "waffle" 17 inch rims, just prefer a "wider" stance. If this is doable going 245 (and it sounds so) is it indeed visually noticeable? If I can get a nice look off of 4 255/40/17's I'll start looking
OEM is 235/45/17..., I'm not trying to be a smart ass but can you help me wrap my brain around how 255/40/17 is closer to OEM diameter than 245/40/17? I should maybe clarify I have no desire to ditch my oem "waffle" 17 inch rims, just prefer a "wider" stance. If this is doable going 245 (and it sounds so) is it indeed visually noticeable? If I can get a nice look off of 4 255/40/17's I'll start looking
factory is 235/45/17 on 3G TL..... so 255/40/17 is pretty close
So 255 is pretty close, will as earlier stated alter speedometer and odometer readings slightly though. Rub? As Slpr04UA6 mentioned earlier a lot of guys have used this set up so it must be ok no?
So 255 is pretty close, will as earlier stated alter speedometer and odometer readings slightly though. Rub? As Slpr04UA6 mentioned earlier a lot of guys have used this set up so it must be ok no?
I haven't measured to see if they'll clear at full steering lock, and if you are lowered, even a bit, any measurements I make will be irrelevant. As for speedometer and odometer error, they will read slightly higher (i.e. faster and further) than actual.
Oh I am certainly leaning that way, wish I could get a visual of width from 235 to 255. But knowing that 255/40/17 will in fact work has got me shopping this evening...
Just thought I'd stick my nose in. The OEM 235/45-17 Michelin tires were made exclusively for the Acura TL and had a diameter of 25.68"
while aftermarket 235/45 tires are 25.4. The last of these OEM tires were sold in 2011 so that is why 245/45-17 tires are almost the same
as the OEM tires and the 255/40-17 tires are considerably smaller.
so that is why 245/45-17 tires are almost the same
as the OEM tires and the 255/40-17 tires are considerably smaller.
Well I'll admit I'm officially lost here lol. The entire "wish" was to go with a wider stance, stay with the 17's and go 40 to 45 sidewall. I thought 235 wide, 245 wider, 255 even wider. Does anyone have a good setup where I can keep my oem 17 waffles and get a wider look from behind, preferably with 45, but 40 if need be
Well I'll admit I'm officially lost here lol. The entire "wish" was to go with a wider stance, stay with the 17's and go 40 to 45 sidewall. I thought 235 wide, 245 wider, 255 even wider. Does anyone have a good setup where I can keep my oem 17 waffles and get a wider look from behind, preferably with 45, but 40 if need be
No need to be confused... You are right that 255 is the widest tire that can be mounted on the OEM 17" x 8" wheel. Here is a link to help show you the size comparison:
I've ran 235/45r17 and 245/40r17. I've never ran 255 as it's not recommended on a 8" wheel (recommend 8.5" width minimum for 255). I would personally run is 245 as the widest in my honest opinion.
No need to be confused... You are right that 255 is the widest tire that can be mounted on the OEM 17" x 8" wheel. Here is a link to help show you the size comparison:
I've ran 235/45r17 and 245/40r17. I've never ran 255 as it's not recommended on a 8" wheel (recommend 8.5" width minimum for 255). I would personally run is 245 as the widest in my honest opinion.
Very helpful post, thank you! I do however doubt it would hardly be much of a difference going from 235 to 245 no?
This tire size debate has been going on for years. A 255/40-17 is recommended to be used on a 8.5" minimum width wheel,
but nobody cares as they are installed without regard to the spec. Also the 255 is only 25.2" in diameter and to compare that
diameter, the compact TL-S spare is 25".
if specifications are correct, and as you have TPMS, so if you want wide 245 tires, just purchase a set of RA97AS RFT's 9", or regular ContiProContact 8.8",
or summer tire.BFG GForce Comp2 9.4"
Very helpful post, thank you! I do however doubt it would hardly be much of a difference going from 235 to 245 no?
I'm speaking from my experience and increasing width has helped with grip on my RSX. I went from 215/45r17 on 17x7.5" wheels to a 235/45r17 and noticed vast improvement for grip. I had a set of TL wheels with 245/40r17 for a brief while on my RSX but got rid of them due to weight (wheels and tires).
For my TL, I currently have 235/45r17. My next set of tires will be 245/45r17s. I daily my car, so I'm staying within the specified tire width recommended for the wheel width.
Overall, it's your decision! Do what makes you feel good and just enjoy it. I think you will be ok with 255 as many stated.
So I finally managed to A) get out side, and B) remember to take a couple of shots of my 2017 vintage Pirelli Cinturato P7 tires in the 235/45 R17 size:
Upon reviewing this picture, it seems the wide angle nature of my phone camera distorts the image a bit, but I hope this illustrates what I've been saying.
One final comment, the tires as pictured have over 37,000 miles on them; one thing is for certain, the P7s last a long damn time!
So I finally managed to A) get out side, and B) remember to take a couple of shots of my 2017 vintage Pirelli Cinturato P7 tires in the 235/45 R17 size...
Sorry, my bad, I must have fat-fingered the above post, the tires on my car are 2018 vintage, not 2017.
I have an 08 TL Type S with manual transmission and have run a couple of sets 255/40/17 on my "waffles" with zero issue. Today I have 245/45/17 dedicated snow tires on them - only because I got a really good deal on brand new Bridgestone Blizzaks from someone who sold his BMW before ever getting them mounted. I also have a set of 8.5" A-Specs and run 255/40/18 on those for the warmer months.
There are lots of websites that will help you with sizing and odometer differences but here is one of them https://www.wheel-size.com/calc/
originally having 235/45 on my waffles and going to a 245/45, much noticeable difference in look. fills up more wheel gap, sticks out a bit farther. looks better. but from a performance standpoint is it really better? on a stock car, probably not so much. tire will be heavier and might not perform as well as a thinner 235 tire does in rain and snow. might hinder mpgs too.
i need new tires since i am getting my waffles refurbished to look new again and my current 245 coopers are on their last legs. debating on going back to a 235 as opposed to a 245...
