winter replacements for 225 45R18

[woody7719]

Can anyone tell me if I can downsize to a 16 inch tire for the winter and what size I would use as a replacement that wont screw up the speedometer.

[akirby]

Can anyone tell me if I can downsize to a 16 inch tire for the winter and what size I would use as a replacement that wont screw up the speedometer.

 

All of the OEM wheels have the same overall diameter (or very, very close) so as long as you stay close to that diameter you'll be fine.

 

Tirerack.com will tell you the OEM sizes and also how to calculate the diameter of replacement tires. Of course you'll need cheap wheels to go with them.

[bbf2530]

Can anyone tell me if I can downsize to a 16 inch tire for the winter and what size I would use as a replacement that wont screw up the speedometer.

 

Hi woody7719. :D Yes you can. But I would recommend using 17 inch wheels/tires instead of dropping to 16's. If you were to use a 17 inch wheel, you could purchase a set of 17 inch wheels and go to a 225/50/17 inch snow tire.

 

However, if you really want to go to a 16 inch wheel/tire: First you would need to purchase four 16 inch wheels in the width you would like (most likely 7 inch width, or 7.5 if you have an AWD model). You should probably stick with a 225 width, or go narrower if you live in an area with extremely heavy winter snowfalls. Contrary to some peoples belief, wider is not a good idea with snow tires as it limits their effectiveness. The wider the tire, the more likely it will tend to "float" and not bite into the snow (think snowshoes).

 

You would also need to get a taller aspect ratio (55 or possibly even a 60), to make up for the smaller diameter wheel. If you do not up the aspect ratio of the sidewall, your speedometer and odometer readings will be incorrect.

 

I would strongly recommend you call LINK: The Tire Rack or LINK: Discount Tire and ask them for recommendations. It is always best to ask the experts.

 

Good luck. :beerchug:

 

 

EDIT - I was typing my post while "akirby" posted, so some of mine is repetitive.