Wider tires + Traction
11-18-2002, 08:19 PM
#1
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (14)
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 2,404
Wider tires + Traction
I have the stock size 215/60/15 on my 95 SE. The tires are performance all-season tires (Goodyear Eagle GTII - T rated). I am thinking about getting high performance all-season tires in 15" (Toyo Proxes TPT - H rated). However, I am considering going to 225 for better traction and handling. My question is two-fold.
1) I found that 225/60/15 makes the overall diameter go from 25.2" to 25.6" which translates to 787 revs/mile as opposed to stock 802 revs/mile. The speedo is off by 1.9% (lower). 225/55/15 makes the overall diameter go to 24.7" which translates to 815 rev/mi and the speedo is 1.6% too fast. Which one would you guys pick?
2) Should I scrap the idea of 225 and stick to stock 215 since I am getting a better tire? Do I assume that I will have better traction with these new (better) tires with the stock size or should I get wider? I don't want to compromize acceleration due to the increased resistance because of the wider contact patch of the rubber to the ground. Does the 10mm make that much of a difference in acceleration? Obviously handling will be better, but how much better and is it worth the loss in acceleration, if any?
Hope someone can help me here.
Thanks!
1) I found that 225/60/15 makes the overall diameter go from 25.2" to 25.6" which translates to 787 revs/mile as opposed to stock 802 revs/mile. The speedo is off by 1.9% (lower). 225/55/15 makes the overall diameter go to 24.7" which translates to 815 rev/mi and the speedo is 1.6% too fast. Which one would you guys pick?
2) Should I scrap the idea of 225 and stick to stock 215 since I am getting a better tire? Do I assume that I will have better traction with these new (better) tires with the stock size or should I get wider? I don't want to compromize acceleration due to the increased resistance because of the wider contact patch of the rubber to the ground. Does the 10mm make that much of a difference in acceleration? Obviously handling will be better, but how much better and is it worth the loss in acceleration, if any?
Hope someone can help me here.
Thanks!
11-19-2002, 09:21 PM
#2
1) 55 series will handle and accelerate better.
2) A grippy 215 tire will always outperform a mediocre 225 width. 10mm wider alone won't affect your acceleration. But a 215 with more steel belts, that weighs 4lbs more would be slower than a ligher 225.
2) A grippy 215 tire will always outperform a mediocre 225 width. 10mm wider alone won't affect your acceleration. But a 215 with more steel belts, that weighs 4lbs more would be slower than a ligher 225.
11-20-2002, 06:07 AM
#4
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 188
Originally posted by Cutlr7
should help, wider tires always helped on traction. Have to be carful,, they tend to hydroplane easier
should help, wider tires always helped on traction. Have to be carful,, they tend to hydroplane easier
11-20-2002, 07:04 AM
#6
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (14)
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 2,404
Originally posted by mzmtg
There are much better tires out there than the Proxes TPT for the same money. Most ORGers recommend the Bridgestone Potenza RE950and the Dunlop Sport A2.
There are much better tires out there than the Proxes TPT for the same money. Most ORGers recommend the Bridgestone Potenza RE950and the Dunlop Sport A2.
He said that in terms of tread life, dry traction and wet traction, you can't beat the TPT. As for snow, neither of them are really any better than the other. Dunlop doesn't have as long a life.
11-20-2002, 07:07 AM
#7
Originally posted by speedemn
The shop I bought from carries all 3 of those tires and he said that with the Dunlop SP Sport A2 I would get worse snow traction and with the RE950 I'd get crappy wet traction.
He said that in terms of tread life, dry traction and wet traction, you can't beat the TPT. As for snow, neither of them are really any better than the other. Dunlop doesn't have as long a life.
The shop I bought from carries all 3 of those tires and he said that with the Dunlop SP Sport A2 I would get worse snow traction and with the RE950 I'd get crappy wet traction.
He said that in terms of tread life, dry traction and wet traction, you can't beat the TPT. As for snow, neither of them are really any better than the other. Dunlop doesn't have as long a life.
Personally, I put more stock in what users say than what dealers say. Ask around...
11-20-2002, 07:14 AM
#8
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 188
Originally posted by speedemn
The shop I bought from carries all 3 of those tires and he said that with the Dunlop SP Sport A2 I would get worse snow traction and with the RE950 I'd get crappy wet traction.
He said that in terms of tread life, dry traction and wet traction, you can't beat the TPT. As for snow, neither of them are really any better than the other. Dunlop doesn't have as long a life.
The shop I bought from carries all 3 of those tires and he said that with the Dunlop SP Sport A2 I would get worse snow traction and with the RE950 I'd get crappy wet traction.
He said that in terms of tread life, dry traction and wet traction, you can't beat the TPT. As for snow, neither of them are really any better than the other. Dunlop doesn't have as long a life.
- Tire shops (if you can trust them) are mediocre at best, even if he polled all of his customers. For that matter, my best friend would only be mediocre in that he is only one opinion.
- Maxima.org is the best place to get feedback on what works best on our Max's. Lots of actual experience.
- Tirerack.com has a lot of reviews, ratings, tech specs, etc.
Best to compile all of the facts along with all of the opinions.
11-20-2002, 07:54 AM
#9
Originally posted by mzmtg
There are much better tires out there than the Proxes TPT for the same money. Most ORGers recommend the Bridgestone Potenza RE950and the Dunlop Sport A2.
There are much better tires out there than the Proxes TPT for the same money. Most ORGers recommend the Bridgestone Potenza RE950and the Dunlop Sport A2.
Another thing
while a 225 series might provide slightly better control in turns..
wider does not equal better in snow...
I have tried 225/50/16s before and went with the OEM reccomended 215/55/16 this time and it satisfies me well.. If it's a good tire, that extra .05 of an inch in the sidewall will not play a difference at all. i rather get better tires in the correct size than pay same $ for mediocre tires...
11-20-2002, 10:14 AM
#10
Donating Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Apr 2001
Posts: 4,154
strangely enough, I've always had wide tires on my car... 225/40's that are crappppppy tires, and 225/60's that are great. The 225/60's don't like the cold as much though...time to go back to the 40's which were ONLY good in the snow. No more 125mph runs to work anymore. :'(
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post