airclnr

Currently running the stock Michelin Pilots on my 2009 TL-SH AWD. My tires are 245/45R18 and I'm considering going to the 255/45/R18. I want better wheel protection and a wider tire. Will this rub or will I have any issues? Also, can't decide between the Continental DWS or the General G-Max tires.

Multiple searches didn't provide much info.

Thanks

diamondmit

You'll have a 4% taller, 4% wider tire, which should soften the ride somewhat. The rolling diameter is 1.3% larger so the tire will turn a bit slower than the stock tire (whey your speedometer reads "60 mph" you will actually be traveling "60.8 mph"....not too bad). I think that a 255 tire is less common however than a 245, so you'll likely have fewer choices and pay a bit more. Let us know how you make out.

dd

jspagna1

You'll be fine going to that size. As a matter of fact, I'll go to that size when it's time for new tires for my wife's Maxima. I have heard good reviews about both brands you mentioned. I think I am going with the General G-Max tires. Sounds like a good tire for the money.

Also use this calculator for size reference. Comes in handy.

http://www.1010tires.com/tiresizecalculator.asp

farmdog

I am interested in these...take a look

http://www.ebay.com/itm/4-NEW-Hankoo...86c2d7&vxp=mtr

Mr Marco

# 1, Learn how to park without touching the curb (or teach the other drivers in your family the importance of NOT curbing the wheel). #2, Find a tire that has a wheel rim protector rib like the Michelin.

A wider tire is heavier and will also create more drag and give you poor fuel mileage.

HeartTLs

iTrader: (5)

I was thinking the same thing. Unless you're going to put a wide tire on a summer set of wheels which you track, spirited drive, I think it's overkill. As far as increased weight from 255/245 I believe that is negligible.


Edit: in the DWS 245/45/18 are 25lbs and the are 255/45/18 28lbs. I actually wouldn't consider that negligible, although I'm sure some might.

Shoot2Thrill

I have a friend who also has 4G who just asked just asked essentially the same question as the OP. I would go with the DWS. The tirerack survey shows it better in the snow by a notable margin and the results are based on 20 times the miles. I would also go with the 255. I run 255/40/18 on the 04 3g on 8.5 aspecs and think it is great. On the 3g I have run 235/245/255 on both 17" and 18" I don't track gas but my perception is it is a non issue. The 4g awd really has no handling deficit but I think the 255 might mellow it out a bit over the bumps. I agree on the rim protection via the tire versus teaching someone else. Plus stuff happens. Decided a long time ago not going to upset the wife about curbing the wheels. So I get the tire width to help.

Mr Marco

^You are a better man than me, I should take notes.

airclnr

Thanks for the input guys. Still weighing my options since I don't need the tires immediately. I loved my previous Continental DWS tires, but they are being discontinued shortly. Thankfully the wife is almost more particular about our cars then me but rim protection is always good in my book.

AZNTL18

I use to have the Conti DWS on my car and they ran great. At about 5/32's I noticed the sidewall got a little too soft for me. I recently took the DWS off and got a brand new set of Bridgestone RE970AS and I really like them so far. My car feels more responsive then when I first had my DWS's. You may want to give the RE970AS a try.

HeartTLs

iTrader: (5)

Discontinued? Where did you read that? Are they coming out with a dws 2.0?

Alexander.

iTrader: (1)

Honestly your turn-in might turn into mush by going 255/45 on an 8" wide rim. I'd stick with 245/45's.