It's originally 225/50/17, but I was wondering if I can go with 245/45/17? I need to replace all 4, so it would be a good time to upgrade. I am assuming 245/45/17 will look better, any thoughts? Thanks.

 

245/45 is too wide 235-45 is ideal. also it will not look "better" because you will have more fender gap added to the fender gap that already exists (assuming you're still on stock suspension) You'll have more contact patch, that's basically it. It will only look better with a drop. See Puppetmaster's car pictures in the Member's Rides forum. He's on stock SE wheels with 235-45.

 

Thanks! Anyone else have pics to share?

 

Got to love the misinformation tossed around on the net. 235/45 in a 7 inch wide rim is off spec. The recommended rim width for 235/45 and 245/45 is 7.5 to 9.0 inches, NOT 7.0. It certainly is not "ideal". It's up to him to decide whether the risk of going off spec is acceptable or not. OTOH, he's asking for info here and taking anyones "advice" at face value.

 

I just switched two weeks ago from 225/50/17's to 235/45/17 on stock 17 SE rims. The car seems to track better. I drove it in a little snow when I first got them and they handle just fine. The difference between the 50 and 45 is not noticable. I went from Pilot Sports to Kumo ASX's. I didn't want to shell out 200 per tire again

 

Specification Sidewall Radius Diameter Circumference Revs/Mile Difference
225/50-17 4.4in 12.9in 25.9in 81.2in 780 0.0%
235/45-17 4.2in 12.7in 25.3in 79.6in 796 -2.1%
245/45-17 4.3in 12.8in 25.7in 80.7in 785 -0.7%
225/45-17 4.0in 12.5in 25.0in 78.5in 808 -3.4%

I was off on my calculation as to which was tire size was appropriate. I don't think I misinformed. 7" wide wheels CAN be fitted with 235mm tires. Puppetmaster and a few other guys are running this setup I believe.

 

"Ideal" is a long way from off spec. Yes, it can be done, it's been done; I am one of those who have off spec 235/45s on the OEM wheels. I did a lot of homework deciding whether or not to fit off spec tires on 7 inch wheels. There have been reports (back in 2003 at least) of people having 235/45s rolling off the rims in hard turns. I hardly call that ideal.

My point is, you may not think you might have misinformed, but if you're going to give advise, be thourough so the guy can make an informed decision. He needs to know there are risks involved mounting off spec tires, not just 235/45 is "ideal."

 

Noted.

 

Thanks CCS2k1Max / NisMoN00B / Ollie! I really appreciate it.

I was going to buy these 17's (all the tires need to be replaced), so I needed some advice before purchasing it. After a long search, I couldn't find any used tires in those sizes locally, I would have to shell out $500 for 4 new ones, which is over budget for me. Oddly enough, I found a set of Murano SE 18" rims with less than 100 miles on them, and two 235/40/18 used tires, they look sooo sweet and it fits under my budget, so I went with the 18"s instead of the 17"s. I couldn't find anymore 235/40/18, but I did find two 245/40/18, so I got everything installed today =)