Cross-Hair

It's time for new tires on the Type-S (stock wheels) and I'm pretty certain I'm going with Continental ExtremeContact DWS from the reviews on this forum (and TireRack).

My main question is what size should I go for?

I was considering getting 245/45s or 245/40s, but not sure if the wide tires will look better or if it's going to cause other problems.

The stock Type-S tires are the Bridgestone Potentza RE030s (235/45/17). So... maybe I should just get Continentals to match?

I'm fairly certain that the tires will fit (based on an old thread I can't find), but just want to get some input and general advice.

Wacker

If you go with 245/45 you will end up with a taller tire (more sidewall) 45% of 245mm > 45% of 235mm. 245mm being the tread width. You would be closer with the 245/40. There are tire size calculators you can find by doing a Google search. They have been helpful over the years for me.

sauceja

iTrader: (2)

Many people are running 245/45/17 as replacements with no issues.

Do you live somewhere that you need the snow protection?? Something you want to ask yourself. I have DWS for the front on my stock tires and opted to get the DW for my daily set of rims.

I like them and they have been good tires for me.

Cross-Hair

Hmm, maybe I'm confused but it seems that 245/45 is still closer to 235/45 than 245/40.

That being said, I was thinking 245/40 for a slightly lower profile tire anyway.

Bearcat94

In theory, yes.

In reality, not so much; it varies.


Both stock sized tires for the TL-S (MXM4 and RE030) were 235/45-17 BUT they are both 'over-sized' for that spec at 25.5" diameter.

The Conti 245/45-17 is 25.7", while 235/45-17 is only 25.3". The Conti 245/40-17 is smaller still at 24.7" - far too small to look good on the TL.


Keep in mind, those are diameters. So, on the radius the 245/45-17 Conti (or Mich Pilot Sport AS) will only be 0.10" taller.

Also worth bearing in mind, from the time a tire is new (10/32nds) until it worn out (2/32nds), that tire will 'shrink' by a full half inch in diameter. IOW - getting too worried about a tenth of an inch so isn't really worth it.




Edit: BTW, I'm on my 2nd set of 245/45-17 (25.7") tires. They look, ride and drive totally fine.

Slpr04UA6

I have 245/40 on the stock wheels, and if I remember correctly its right around ~1% off. It may ride a little firmer, but looks better(in my opinion, with a drop). As the tire wears, I assume the % goes up.

I have considered the 255/40 that a lot of members are running on the stock wheels.

Wacker

Its all a numbers game. 255/40 is what I would likely prefer...

Bearcat94

My point is you can't go stricly by the size .... 235/45, 245/45, 255/40 .... and the section math.

Since the TL came with a 'tall' tire, you need to look at the diameters of the individual tire(s) you're considering and compare to the 25.5" stock diameter.

In many cases the 245/45-17 is closest to stock .... even closer than an alternate brand's 235/45-17.

Wacker

Thats great big guy..its still a numbers game.

Bearcat94

Cross-Hair

Hmmm... I didn't even think 255/40 was an option. Will the stock wheels handle this without problem or looking too awkward?

Bearcat94

Search "255/40". Massive thread on it.

The two most popular alternate sizes (17") are 255/40 and 245/45 with 245/45 being closest to stock.

Izzy-Type-S

iTrader: (1)

Do 245/45. There is no buble or bulge look. I run those exact conti tires on my stocks and love them...daily driving with clients is smooth and quite, great high speed rain, snow traction and I've done 3 track sessions and they hold up and do very well.

flappy188

i got my conti's a few yrs ago and put 17k miles on them and the fronts are bald bald bald, and the backs are pretty close to being shot too, anyone else have this problem or the type s EATING tires??? i mean the tires are warrantied for 50k so you think i could at least get half of that??? i rotated regularly also!

Aman

Alignment?

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

The fronts are ALWAYS going to wear faster than the rear.
Driving wheels plus steering/direction.
if fronts are worn more than rears, you didnt properly rotate them!!

cisco kid

I put near 50K miles on my set, there is no way they are toast in 17 unless you never ever checked pressure or you have a sever lead foot 24/7

paperboy42190

iTrader: (7)

^all depends on the tire. I got about 25k miles from a set of hankook v12's. i do drive it spiritedly though.

tires with lower treadwear will be toast even sooner

nfnsquared

I'm at 8/32 after 18K miles on my second set of Conti DWS'. So far, they are living up to the 50K warranty and the 550 rating...