215/50/17 vs 225/50/17 vs 235/45/17 tire recommendation
01-20-2004, 10:55 AM
#1
215/50/17 vs 225/50/17 vs 235/45/17 tire recommendation
ok, i know this is wrong forum but i need as much feedback as humanly possible because i have little time to make a decision. I have 2k1 rim (17 X 7) and i am in need of tires, well 1 or 2 but might as well buy all 4. Anyway, need opinion on what is best for tires on 2k1 rims or another 17X7 or 17X 7.5 rim. Professionals and most close friends say 215/50/17 is best way to go. Others say 235/45/17. I want to have 50 rather than 45 cause i've had badluck BENDING OEM RIMS! (WTF!!!). But dont know whats best cause i dont know much about tires. Looking for feedback through what u guys feel is best and what u guys have now that is working for you. All sites and professionals point towards 215/50/17 but after getting BSed about nissan ages back, i learn not to trust just one source.
BTW, i would like to take price away from this factor although it does play a major role but lets say it doesnt, give me your inputs. I need a tire good for high speed, cornering and bumps. Saying they are all same brand, what size is best for all?
BTW, i would like to take price away from this factor although it does play a major role but lets say it doesnt, give me your inputs. I need a tire good for high speed, cornering and bumps. Saying they are all same brand, what size is best for all?
01-20-2004, 11:16 AM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,391
Honestly... either the 215 or 225 should be fine. 235s on 7" rims have the possibility of coming off the rim.
Wider tires will be slightly more grippy, but will feel more mushy around corners due to the sidewalls flexing more.
If it were my decision, I'd probably pick the 215s. I'm currently running 225s on a 7.5" rim and sidewall flex is nonexistant.
Just make sure the rim width is within the spec for the specific size and model of tire. You can find that info in the tire "specs" on tirerack. For example for the ContiExtremeContact: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec.j...ExtremeContact
Wider tires will be slightly more grippy, but will feel more mushy around corners due to the sidewalls flexing more.
If it were my decision, I'd probably pick the 215s. I'm currently running 225s on a 7.5" rim and sidewall flex is nonexistant.
Just make sure the rim width is within the spec for the specific size and model of tire. You can find that info in the tire "specs" on tirerack. For example for the ContiExtremeContact: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec.j...ExtremeContact
01-20-2004, 11:28 AM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,391
Originally Posted by nupe500
235/45/17...go with that!!!
https://maxima.org/forums/washington-d-c-area/279273-sale-1996-chevy-caprice.html
01-20-2004, 02:01 PM
#8
Originally Posted by meccanoble
BTW, i would like to take price away from this factor although it does play a major role but lets say it doesnt, give me your inputs. I need a tire good for high speed, cornering and bumps. Saying they are all same brand, what size is best for all?
the thing is, i doubt they have it in 215 or 225, maybe the ecsta supra 711 does. which could your alternative choice for quick replacement.
if 235 will fit, then go with my size (235/45/17) for 712s. but like drew said it will probably fall off...
just inputing ideas that's all.
01-20-2004, 02:01 PM
#9
Originally Posted by mrnock
would this be something i have to worry about on aftermarket 17x8 rims??
01-20-2004, 02:08 PM
#10
ok, i guess i should shorten the options. 235/45/17 (which is recommended by tirerack etc.) is no good for me now. THIS IS EXACTLY WHY I NEVER LISTEN TO ONE SOURCE.
Basically i can go between a super deal on 215/50/17 or find 225/50/17 at a good price.
Between those two what do u think would be best?
Basically i can go between a super deal on 215/50/17 or find 225/50/17 at a good price.
Between those two what do u think would be best?
01-20-2004, 03:24 PM
#11
I tend to get a bit irritable
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Originally Posted by meccanoble
ok, i guess i should shorten the options. 235/45/17 (which is recommended by tirerack etc.) is no good for me now. THIS IS EXACTLY WHY I NEVER LISTEN TO ONE SOURCE.
--Don
01-20-2004, 06:24 PM
#12
Originally Posted by mrnock
would this be something i have to worry about on aftermarket 17x8 rims??
17x8s are perfect fo 235/45s... I've run Khumo Excstas and Pirelli SS7000s, both fit and looked great on a 17x8 wheel.
01-20-2004, 08:55 PM
#13
Not DAVEB the parts guy
Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,555
You're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't:
1) 235/45s are technically too wide for 17X7 rims, but I've bought two sets of 17X7 rims from the Tire Rack and they always recommended the 235/45. In 5 years, I've never had any of my 235/45s "peel off" the rim and I drive very aggressively. Actually, I've never heard of this before occuring on any type of tire on any kind of car.
2) 215/50s while the right tire height for the 4th gen WILL NOT meet the OEM load capacity Nissan wants for a 4th gen tire. IMO, this is a much more serious issue than running 235/45s on a slightly too narrow rim. Exceed the load capacity of the tires and they can fail.
3) 225/50s fit 17X7s perfectly and come stock on the 5th gen, but the 225/50s are too tall for the 4th gen's speedometer and will cause a 3% speedometer error which is pretty significant. You'll also loose 3% of your gearing running the taller tire. This means slightly worse initial acceleration. The taller 225/50s are ~.5" taller which will help fill in wheel well gaps, but will also raise the car off the ground more too.
My 235/45s are in need of replacement and I'm debating with myself on if I want 235/45s or the 225/50s. I'm leaning more towards the 235/45s right now. The 215/50s aren't even an option.
Dave
1) 235/45s are technically too wide for 17X7 rims, but I've bought two sets of 17X7 rims from the Tire Rack and they always recommended the 235/45. In 5 years, I've never had any of my 235/45s "peel off" the rim and I drive very aggressively. Actually, I've never heard of this before occuring on any type of tire on any kind of car.
2) 215/50s while the right tire height for the 4th gen WILL NOT meet the OEM load capacity Nissan wants for a 4th gen tire. IMO, this is a much more serious issue than running 235/45s on a slightly too narrow rim. Exceed the load capacity of the tires and they can fail.
3) 225/50s fit 17X7s perfectly and come stock on the 5th gen, but the 225/50s are too tall for the 4th gen's speedometer and will cause a 3% speedometer error which is pretty significant. You'll also loose 3% of your gearing running the taller tire. This means slightly worse initial acceleration. The taller 225/50s are ~.5" taller which will help fill in wheel well gaps, but will also raise the car off the ground more too.
My 235/45s are in need of replacement and I'm debating with myself on if I want 235/45s or the 225/50s. I'm leaning more towards the 235/45s right now. The 215/50s aren't even an option.
Dave
01-22-2004, 11:52 AM
#14
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Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 100
[QUOTE=Dave B]You're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't:
1) 235/45s are technically too wide for 17X7 rims, but I've bought two sets of 17X7 rims from the Tire Rack and they always recommended the 235/45. In 5 years, I've never had any of my 235/45s "peel off" the rim and I drive very aggressively. Actually, I've never heard of this before occuring on any type of tire on any kind of car.
I'll probably get bashed for this but I'm with you. I have never heard of someone rolling a tire off of a rim because the tire was a couple of sizes bigger than recommended. Of the many cars I have owned I have always gone up at least 2 sizes when I replaced tires and haven't had any problems. I'm running 245/45 Nitto 555 Extremes on my factory wheels and I will never go back down to 225s. By the way, the 245s look great on the car and they don't rub at all, and I've got H&Rs.
1) 235/45s are technically too wide for 17X7 rims, but I've bought two sets of 17X7 rims from the Tire Rack and they always recommended the 235/45. In 5 years, I've never had any of my 235/45s "peel off" the rim and I drive very aggressively. Actually, I've never heard of this before occuring on any type of tire on any kind of car.
I'll probably get bashed for this but I'm with you. I have never heard of someone rolling a tire off of a rim because the tire was a couple of sizes bigger than recommended. Of the many cars I have owned I have always gone up at least 2 sizes when I replaced tires and haven't had any problems. I'm running 245/45 Nitto 555 Extremes on my factory wheels and I will never go back down to 225s. By the way, the 245s look great on the car and they don't rub at all, and I've got H&Rs.
01-22-2004, 10:07 PM
#15
Not DAVEB the parts guy
Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,555
To confuse you guys even further, I just found out the Acura TL/CL-S comes with 215/50R17s. The TL/CL-S weigh ~500lbs more than a 4th gen Maxima yet they can get away with running a lighter load tire? I beginning to think Nissan seriously overrates their tires for load capacity because if a 3500lb CL/TL-S can safely run 215/50R17s as OEM, then so can a 3000lb 4th gen.
Dave
Dave
01-22-2004, 10:53 PM
#16
I put 235/45/17 on my stockers
A 7" wheel SHOULD have a 225 wide tire... but doesn't have to..
Look at the stock tires...16 x 6.5" stock wheels on 97-2001 SE's sport 215/xx/xx tires.. 17 x 7" 2000-2003 maxima SE wheels have 225/xx/xx tires...
i would personally go for 235/45/17 because of :
1. much better tire selection
2. better looks
3. wider tire = more protection for your rim from curbs while parallel parking..
215/50/17 is the best size to match the speedometer reading.. 225 is stock size but the tire selection is HORRIBLE for this size.. there are no good tires sold in this size..
235/45/17 looks best and has the best selection...
if you can bend STOCK WHEELS, you need to look at your driving habits
those wheels are seriously strong.. i live in NYC and have hit some crazy potholes and still havent bent mine.. *knocks on wood*
A 7" wheel SHOULD have a 225 wide tire... but doesn't have to..
Look at the stock tires...16 x 6.5" stock wheels on 97-2001 SE's sport 215/xx/xx tires.. 17 x 7" 2000-2003 maxima SE wheels have 225/xx/xx tires...
i would personally go for 235/45/17 because of :
1. much better tire selection
2. better looks
3. wider tire = more protection for your rim from curbs while parallel parking..
215/50/17 is the best size to match the speedometer reading.. 225 is stock size but the tire selection is HORRIBLE for this size.. there are no good tires sold in this size..
235/45/17 looks best and has the best selection...
if you can bend STOCK WHEELS, you need to look at your driving habits
those wheels are seriously strong.. i live in NYC and have hit some crazy potholes and still havent bent mine.. *knocks on wood*
01-22-2004, 11:05 PM
#17
the speedometer thing doesn't bother me..
neither does the load rating.. because people run all sorts of sizes on diff. cars.. they are fine..
The tire rolling off the rim thing is just funny. especially a 235 off a 7" wheel. The reason that happened was obviously not because it was too wide but some other factors had to be involved, like improper air pressure, installation error, alignment/camber.. wheels, defective tires.. etc..
People with 4th gens often put 225/50/16s on their stock 16s which are 6.5" wide, no problems. So why can't a 235 be on a wheel that is .5" wider? makes no sense.. especially since the tire is lower profile and those usually have reinforced sidewalls and are a more rigid design.
People put 245 on 8" wheels too.. Also pushing it, but it has been done. 235s are fine for 7, 7.5, or 8.. best for an 8" or 7.5" though.. 225s are best for 7 or 7.5".. but would go on a 6.5" too.. 215 is optimal for a 6.5 and a 7" but would go on even a 6" wide wheel..
So basically, each size tire can be mounted on a wheel that is + or - .5 of an inch from it's optimal size.. even plus or minus an inch but that's really pushing it...
235 on a 7" is not pushing it that much..
my main concern though is the tire selection..
215/50/17 are some poor, touring tires.. nothing great that is performance all season, which is what anyone that lives in the North and sees some cold temperatures and snow should have.. unless they have spare winter wheels and tires. 225/50/17 is not any better of a size.. not a great selection either.
neither does the load rating.. because people run all sorts of sizes on diff. cars.. they are fine..
The tire rolling off the rim thing is just funny. especially a 235 off a 7" wheel. The reason that happened was obviously not because it was too wide but some other factors had to be involved, like improper air pressure, installation error, alignment/camber.. wheels, defective tires.. etc..
People with 4th gens often put 225/50/16s on their stock 16s which are 6.5" wide, no problems. So why can't a 235 be on a wheel that is .5" wider? makes no sense.. especially since the tire is lower profile and those usually have reinforced sidewalls and are a more rigid design.
People put 245 on 8" wheels too.. Also pushing it, but it has been done. 235s are fine for 7, 7.5, or 8.. best for an 8" or 7.5" though.. 225s are best for 7 or 7.5".. but would go on a 6.5" too.. 215 is optimal for a 6.5 and a 7" but would go on even a 6" wide wheel..
So basically, each size tire can be mounted on a wheel that is + or - .5 of an inch from it's optimal size.. even plus or minus an inch but that's really pushing it...
235 on a 7" is not pushing it that much..
my main concern though is the tire selection..
215/50/17 are some poor, touring tires.. nothing great that is performance all season, which is what anyone that lives in the North and sees some cold temperatures and snow should have.. unless they have spare winter wheels and tires. 225/50/17 is not any better of a size.. not a great selection either.
01-23-2004, 08:36 PM
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,391
Originally Posted by NYCe MaXiMa
the speedometer thing doesn't bother me..
neither does the load rating.. because people run all sorts of sizes on diff. cars.. they are fine..
The tire rolling off the rim thing is just funny. especially a 235 off a 7" wheel. The reason that happened was obviously not because it was too wide but some other factors had to be involved, like improper air pressure, installation error, alignment/camber.. wheels, defective tires.. etc..
People with 4th gens often put 225/50/16s on their stock 16s which are 6.5" wide, no problems. So why can't a 235 be on a wheel that is .5" wider? makes no sense.. especially since the tire is lower profile and those usually have reinforced sidewalls and are a more rigid design.
People put 245 on 8" wheels too.. Also pushing it, but it has been done. 235s are fine for 7, 7.5, or 8.. best for an 8" or 7.5" though.. 225s are best for 7 or 7.5".. but would go on a 6.5" too.. 215 is optimal for a 6.5 and a 7" but would go on even a 6" wide wheel..
So basically, each size tire can be mounted on a wheel that is + or - .5 of an inch from it's optimal size.. even plus or minus an inch but that's really pushing it...
235 on a 7" is not pushing it that much..
neither does the load rating.. because people run all sorts of sizes on diff. cars.. they are fine..
The tire rolling off the rim thing is just funny. especially a 235 off a 7" wheel. The reason that happened was obviously not because it was too wide but some other factors had to be involved, like improper air pressure, installation error, alignment/camber.. wheels, defective tires.. etc..
People with 4th gens often put 225/50/16s on their stock 16s which are 6.5" wide, no problems. So why can't a 235 be on a wheel that is .5" wider? makes no sense.. especially since the tire is lower profile and those usually have reinforced sidewalls and are a more rigid design.
People put 245 on 8" wheels too.. Also pushing it, but it has been done. 235s are fine for 7, 7.5, or 8.. best for an 8" or 7.5" though.. 225s are best for 7 or 7.5".. but would go on a 6.5" too.. 215 is optimal for a 6.5 and a 7" but would go on even a 6" wide wheel..
So basically, each size tire can be mounted on a wheel that is + or - .5 of an inch from it's optimal size.. even plus or minus an inch but that's really pushing it...
235 on a 7" is not pushing it that much..
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec.j...ExtremeContact
They actually specify that you can run 245/50/16 on a 7-8.5" wheel, but if you look at the 245/45/17 version, they say 7.5-9" and going even bigger the 245/40/18 should only go on a 8-9.5".
Sidewall height has a lot to do with it.
But for the original poster, look up the manufacturer's tire specs on tirerack in the exact tire MODEL and SIZE that you want, to confirm that it will fit on your size rim. Beyond that, everything should be fine.
Tire manufacturers do a lot of testing of exactly what size rims they can mount each size of their tire on. Stick to the guide and you will be fine.
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