Christopher.

Hello, as we know, the stock size is 225/50R18 for recent model TLX that come w/18" wheels.

I would like to chose a size which would give me a slight increase in torque and/or traction + sharper handling, without significantly sacrificing comfort, or, causing a significant increase in "bottoming out".
My car came with the Bridgestone Potenza 225/50R18.

I'm considering going with: Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ (W- or Y-Speed Rated) 235/40ZR18

Any comments and/or suggestions are welcome, even "negative" ones, if they might potentially help me make a wise decision.

csmeance

changing the size will impact your speedometer as well so make sure it's the same circumference. 1010tires has a nice calculator to help you find out what will work and what tires are available. If you want good grip a summer tire is your best bet. But since it's winter you may have to settle with an all-season.

Christopher.

Well yes I know that - if my speedometer says I'm going a little faster than I am, I don't think that's a problem.

I am in Ohio, and you're right - I probably wouldn't want to risk running summer tires in the winter.

I'm interested in hearing from people that have tried using lower profile tires, and wider tires in an effort to get better handling and traction.

Christopher.

I rather conservatively opted for only a very slightly different size (wider and lower profile, for better handling and performance):

235/45R18 (vs stock 225/50R18)

This will be .4" wider tread and .6" smaller diameter. This will lower my car by .3" and increases the tire's Speed Rating from H to V.

I wanted to try the Michelin Piolet Sport A/S 3+ tires, but, I stuck w/the OEM Potenza RE97 model because I got a 25% discount on them.
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I'm guessing that I'll get an increase in torque of about 2%? Not that it'd be noticeable, but I prefer more rather than less, when given a choice.

​​​​My actual speed will also be tiny bit slower than indicated on the speedometer, compared to what it was before with the slightly taller stock tires. This, is also a good thing IMO.

csmeance

When you are actually going 60MPH, your speedometer will read 63.4MPH; and in the long run it's going to be adding more miles to the odometer than the factory size even though you've gone the same distance. Next time you get tires, look into 245/45/18 which will only be off by 2.5MPH at 60MPH meaning it'll read 62.5 while going 60MPH. Lots of tires in that size too!

Here are the tirerack ratings for the RE97 which don't look that great and also clarify that you are buying Grand Touring Tires and not Performance Tires:
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...um=25HR8RE97AS

even going with DWS06 would have been a better option in factory size which can go through a foot of snow with no issue and handle hard driving pretty well.

Christopher.

Do you think re-calibrating the speed/odo meter is an option?

I would have actually preferred even smaller tires - enough to notice the increase in torque (though I expect that's not a realistic expectation). Except, I already have to go slow when exiting my daughter's school to avoid bottoming out the front of the car.

So, I guess I'll consider 245/45/18 for next time? I wanted to proceed someone cautiously, can you think of any possible issues with going with that size?

csmeance

Rather than just trying to go with a specific size, def look into a better tire first!

Christopher.

Yes, well - I was planning on getting Michelin A/S 3+, but, money got tight and I was able to get these Potenzas for $382.50 for 4, and, I might pickup a second set of (the same OEM) wheels next summer, for summer tires. From time to time I see the 18" Acura factory wheels for sale at a great price when people pull them off to put on aftermarket wheels. I actually prefer the wheels that came on my TLX over most 3rd party styles - I think they're actually really sweet looking.



Stock 18" Wheel on Acura TLX V6