Hey there.

I'm not a Maxima owner (although my mother has been thru 2 maximas, a 96 SE and a 2000 SE), but I have a small question.

My brother in laws father just bought a 2002 GLE. He's looking for winter tires and steel rims for this upcoming winter.

What is the smalles size rim you can fit on this car? 15"?? Or is 16" the smallest you can fit over the calipers?

Also, whats a good tire size? 225/50/17 is stock, correct? I have to look at his tires...

Wow...I'm really outta the Maxima loop here! Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!

I am going with 16" wheels with 225/55/16 winter tires.

This is what I got from a local shop.

2K2 are 17". go to www.tirerack.com. You will get a good deal.

Yes I know 2k2 are 17", I have a 2002 SE.

But I think the question was when going to steel wheels what size can you go with.

I am buying 16" steel wheels for the 225/55/16 tires. Winters really suck but having your 17" rims all pitted from salt is even worse.

15's will fit i got them at tire rack. I cant tell you thew size due to storing the rims elseware but i think i got 205s or 195s.

Something to consider . . . with winter tires, you really want a more narrow contact patch, if possible. This provides more pressure per square inch and that results in better winter traction.

I believe you can use either a 16" or 17" rim on the 2K2. On the 17" rim, you will have to use the stock tire size of 225/50/17. On the 16" rim, you could go with 215/55/16 tire.

It is interesting to note that www.tirerack.com is selling combo packages for both 16" and 17" rims which include steel or aluminum aftermarket rims and tires for relatively good prices. I recommend you start there . . .

On the 2k2, the smallest size rim you can fit on the front are 16"... 15" steel rims will not clear the front caliper on the 2k2

for 16" you'll need 215/55/16s ...i'd recommend Nokian tires - either the Hakkapeliitta 1 or the NRW.

The Hakka 1s are studable, if you're allowed to do that in Montreal. The NRWs were once Nokian's winter tire but are now "All-Weather" and have a H speed rating; regardless, they are still amazing in the snow.

In any case, i run Hakka 1 in the winter and after last winter's dry spell in Toronto, the tires still looked brand new when i changed over in april. they are also stable on the highway at a sustained 160km/h (100mph).

hope that helps

cheers

Cool, thanks guys! So 16" is the minimum size, eh? OK, I'll let him know.

As for the Hakka 1's, I know, theyre a GREAT tire! I bought a new set for my 2.5 RS last winter....too bad we didnt have much snow, but when it did snow, man, my car was like a tank! The combination of those Hakkas plus AWD was unstoppable!


Now I need to find some 16" steelies. Whats the bold patter on these? 5 x 100? Do Maximas share wheel sizes with any other cars (besides other Nissans/Infinitis)? Just so I know what to look for....

Thanks!

5x4.5, Lexus, (Toyota), Mitsubishi, Ford (Probe, Mustang) But watch the offset. Just because the bolt circle match, doesn't mean offset and hut diameter (center bore?) will match.