RichSpidizzy

Nissan Spec for an '02 Max SE is 225/50/17. The size of the tires I want is 225/55/17 (closest match). Is it a problem if I get these and is a difference of 5% really anything to worry about? (I'll be replacing the rims at the same time, but I don't think that matters)

If the width (225) and the rim size (17) is the same, what does the aspect ratio matter? I guess I just need a better explanation of what the aspect ratio is. My guess is it measures the amount of rubber between the lip of the rim and the ground. bigger number means more rubber?

SkyDaver

Yes, and it means larger diameter.

The 225 is the width of the tread, in mm. The 50 (or 55) is the height of the sidewall, as a percentage of the width. That's your aspect ratio.

With a 55 aspect ratio, and a 225 treadwidth, you'll end up with a tire that is 3/4 of an inch taller that the 225/50.

That 3/4 inch means your tire circumference changes from 81.21 inches to 84.01 inches. That's a touch over the recommended 3% difference.

Why not go for the 235/45/17? Some have even put the 245/45-17 on the stock rims, which is really really close to the same rolling radius (I understand it's out of spec for the 7" wide rims)

SkyDaver

Oh, and you should look at the 'Tire Calculator' sticky thread, up at the top of this forum.

totttalled

I second that Tire Calculator sticky.

BTW, I am currently running 225/55/17 on my 03 GLE. Not a popular size, most people go the other direction, but they fill a need for my commute and fill out the sidewalls nicely. (All a matter of taste).

That size is in spec with the 17X7 wheel and complies with the load rating of OE.

SkyDaver

totttalled, I should have emphasized that IMO, it's perfectly OK to go with the 225/55/17, but only (again, IMO) if you do so as an informed decision.

The speedo on my son's Honda Civic runs quite a bit slower than actual (determined via GPS and stopwatch), so we think we'll bump up to 215-40/17 when next we need tires (205/40-17 now)