priggly

In order to help protect the wheel rim edges from curb damage, is there any problem inherent in increasing the width of the stock tire from 235/45-17 to 245/45-17?

Does this have any measurable effect upon either the odometer or speedometer? Is there enough room for the slightly wider tire in the wheel well without impinging on the chassis?

For anyone who has done this, how does it affect the ride?

Thanks.

KJSmitty

The answer is no. Several folks in the past have switched to the 245/45. The overall diameter change is very minimal thus speedo error and any wheel well issues are mute. The only issue is the 245/45 is only about 1/4 inch wider than the 235/45. Thus the overall "greater rim protection" idea is close to mute also.

It's been a while since I have been researching tires sizes but you might want to look at something even wider - something in the range of 1/2 to 3/4 inch wider. This should ensure more"bulge" at the rim beed. Check out tirerack.com (if you haven't already :-)). I remember their being a size I was going to try that was only about 3/8 inch larger diameter yet 3/4 to 1 inch wider. My local tire shop had agreed to mount one tire of whatever size I decided to install/check clearance on front and back prior to going for the other 3....

From what I could see visually (haven't tried it yet) a 1 inch wider tire would clear fine... Would their be other driveability changes...? I seriously doubt it but one never knows...

Atrain

235/45-17 = 9.252" tread width and 25.326" overall diameter
245/45-17 = 9.645" thread width and 25.681" overall diameter

Is the additional 0.394" increase in thread width worth messing with the Anti-Lock, TC and speedometer?

A-Train

jjtags

I have Toyo Proxes 4 with 245/45/17 and I have to say the ride is much improved and no additional scratches have been added at the car wash. I live in a condo community where there are no spigots in the driveways for washing your car even if you have the room to.

The car rides a little more comfortable but because of the more aggressive tread, sticks better than the stock bridgestone's.