Jr'sMaxima

Or would I be better to go with 215/55's? Im thinking I want the 4th gen 5 spoke for my car, since I got the hubs, and they would be on all year. I dont want expensive rims if they will be on all year, so now I gotta find them, but I know what tires I want. The Bridgestone Potenza 950's. They come in either size. Just gotta know, what would be better on that rim?

And, if the larger 225/50's are ok on that rim, would they be ok in the snow? Im gussing the 215/55 would be better snow tires?!

Thanks for your info!

iwannabmw

iTrader: (3)

After trying 225's I'm going back to 215's. With the 225's you're constantly dragging around a bigger contact patch (slower acceleration and poorer fuel mileage) but when you really lean into a corner, especially transitions back and forth, the tires roll over a little and that extra contact patch does you no good. They roll because 225 is really too wide on a 6 1/2 inch rim. Other than helping your car look much more aggressive, they really have no performance benefit, and lot of drawbacks. The 215's would be the better choice for snow too.

jhlee_99

Jr,

Yes 225/50/16 will fit on the maxima as long as your wheel width is at least 7 inches (16x7). that's the size i have on my 16" Enkei RSE wheels right now, but i just got 18" wheels so i'll be switching soon. as for 215/55/16, yes it should provide a better traction in snowy coniditions. narrower tires are usually better in snowy roads, but i don't think between the two sizes you'll notice any significant traction difference (if they were the same brand and model). if you live on snowy area and don't plan to change tires for the winter, i would recommend you get an all-season or winter tires with 215/55 size. you should have a bigger selection of winter or all season tires with this size over 50 the series.

jhlee

mitch33x

iTrader: (5)

I have 225/50's on my stock 16's...I didn't notice any difference in gas miledge, with the stock tires 30-31mpg on the highway, with the 225/50's same thing. More tire on the road as compared to 215/55 means more grip, which means better handling. I didn't notice any drawbacks whatsoever...expect a little more fender gap, but very little...I plan on lowering my car anyways, so thats not a problem for me...However, 215/55 would be better in the snow

iwannabmw

iTrader: (3)

Yeah, normally more rubber on the road means better grip, if you can use it. 225's are too wide for the stock 5 spokes and allow too much sidewall flex, causing the edge of the tires to lift up under a serious cornering load. Since it's not in contact with the pavement it can't be providing any extra grip. I wish I could get 30 mpg consistently, my damn foot's to heavy. Come to think of it, I did the 225's and an intake at the same time, that's probably more of the mileage issue

Jr'sMaxima

Yeah, I think i I will go with 215/55's cause those Potenza 950's are High Performance all season. The rims Im gonna get are 16x6.5 so I guess the 215's be better anyway. I cant wait to get them on, cause my damn hubbed out 15's stink.......LOL.

Thanks for all of the feedback. I appreciate it!