Hi. I have 97 SE with stock 5 spoke rim.
As my tires getting old, I am thinking about replacing them.
I currently have P215/55R16, and I think it is the size that SE should have.
I was wondering if I could have wider width and lower profile for my SE. What are the limits, width and profile, that SE stock 5 spoke rim can handle?
Winter is approaching, so I do not want to get tires that I cannot drive in snow, either. However, I still want higher performance tires... Which set would be the best combination / compromise?
If you have any recommendation, please let me know. (Size, and brand)
Also, if there is any problem that can occur as you move away from size of stock tires, I would like to know that too.

I, very much, appreciate your inputs and suggestions.

Thank you in advance!

 

225/50R16
225/60R16

 

I have had a good experience with Bridgestone Potenza RE950s on my brother's car (Ford Taurus) in 225/55/16... they handle great in the rain and dry. They're an all-season tire so I imagine they would do well in snow too. Should be $95 each at your local Firestone dealer.

 

firestone....dont those explode?

 

I really don't want to start going off on that whole subject, but let's just say when you (namely Ford) spec 26psi in a tire on a 4200lb truck going 80mph, you should expect this to happen. The failure rate is actually higher for some of the replacement tires in the recall. Ford realized that if they spec a lower pressure their truck will be less likely to tip over, but they didn't think about what would happen at sustained highway speed. I've been driving on Firestone tires at high speed for many years and feel completely comfortable using them.

Damn... and I said I didn't want to go off.

Think about the problem a bit more before you rush to blame (this is for everyone), the tire may have failed, but you need to look at the causes of failure.

 

The rating for the Bridgestone RE950's are really high. Everyone that has them, has said that they are very pleased with them.

 

I like your handle

 

I have actually run 245/45R16 tires on my
1999SE. If you go that route, be sure to
check for any turning problems when installed.
Also, be prepared to wait for an extra half
hour for the install (Discount Tires) as they
are a real pain to install.

Not many companies make that size of tire
either. I had AVS Sports (Yokohama) and they
did not last 12K miles. I went back to the
stock size with Michelins...

If you do change the size of the tire, be sure
to see how much this affects your Speedometer
reading. There is a chart and calculation on
the Maxima Owners and Enthusiasts Page.

As far as snow, I can't help. We don't see it
much here in the Dallas area.

BB

 

I have the Potenza RE950s on my max, and I love em.

My 2 cents...

 

i would recomend that you use 225/50/16, looks good and handles great.

 

Hey guys.
Thank you very much for your inputs!
I really appreciate them.
If you have any/further suggestions to make, please do so.

Again, thank you!

 

Have heard nothing but great stuff about the Bridgestone RE950's and the Dunlop Sport A2's. #1 and 2 on the Tirerack.com hit parade, Dunlops a few bux cheaper.

 

Yokohama AVID V4.. handles great.. nice tire.. cheap too.