Optional tire size?
It might be illegal depending on the laws where you live? (due to the increased strain on braking components with larger diameter tyres.)
In theory, the ride should be better- but you can get that change with different tyre brands in the same size. Also, in theory, steering response wouldn't be as sharp and there would be more sidewall height to roll around corners or absorb bumps- but the tyre brands are probably a bigger factor in my experience. (Years ago I had a vehicle where I ran 175/60R13 tyres and changed to 165/70R13, so a similar change in dimensions.)
The gearing would change so less revs for the same speed and slightly slower acceleration. Realistically, the speedo will probably be more accurate as they read way under the true speed from the factory.
Anyway, just some thoughts.
In theory, the ride should be better- but you can get that change with different tyre brands in the same size. Also, in theory, steering response wouldn't be as sharp and there would be more sidewall height to roll around corners or absorb bumps- but the tyre brands are probably a bigger factor in my experience. (Years ago I had a vehicle where I ran 175/60R13 tyres and changed to 165/70R13, so a similar change in dimensions.)
The gearing would change so less revs for the same speed and slightly slower acceleration. Realistically, the speedo will probably be more accurate as they read way under the true speed from the factory.
Anyway, just some thoughts.
David
-
twoqttsdad
- Posts: 212
- Joined: Wed Nov 28, 2012 12:41 am
- Location: Hawaii
I would check out the actual specs from the tire manufacturer, i.e. overall diameter, track width vs overall width, etc. Generalizations about a tire's performance based on it's service description often hold true but nothing beats doing your homework. Many different tire brands, and quality each with their own pros and cons.
Some are cheap junk that appeal to customers with their copycat "performance looking" tread designs. Owners encounter premature or irregular tire wear or less than expected performance results because of the cost saving internal construction of a tire that can't be seen.
Information about quality tires should be out there for you to find. The cheap off brand stuff will never tell you about their internal construction and what each component actually does. One of the tire salespeople I work with often tells his customers "Don't expect to get steak if you only want to pay for hamburger." There are decent tires out there tho for a competitive price.
Maybe a 245/45ZR18 would be an option if you are concerned about ride height being too tall. It'll be about .5 inches taller than OE and about .5 inches shorter than a 235/50ZR18 but best to check with the manufacturer spec, not what the dealer tells you. Also check out the load index of the tire your considering and also playing with the tire pressure to get the desired results. But not below recommended psi!
Sorry about rambling on. I tend to do that about tires. Hope you find what you are looking for!
Some are cheap junk that appeal to customers with their copycat "performance looking" tread designs. Owners encounter premature or irregular tire wear or less than expected performance results because of the cost saving internal construction of a tire that can't be seen.
Information about quality tires should be out there for you to find. The cheap off brand stuff will never tell you about their internal construction and what each component actually does. One of the tire salespeople I work with often tells his customers "Don't expect to get steak if you only want to pay for hamburger." There are decent tires out there tho for a competitive price.
Maybe a 245/45ZR18 would be an option if you are concerned about ride height being too tall. It'll be about .5 inches taller than OE and about .5 inches shorter than a 235/50ZR18 but best to check with the manufacturer spec, not what the dealer tells you. Also check out the load index of the tire your considering and also playing with the tire pressure to get the desired results. But not below recommended psi!
Sorry about rambling on. I tend to do that about tires. Hope you find what you are looking for!
2012 SLS
Azure Grey
FWD CVT
Azure Grey
FWD CVT
Well said.
Probably the only part I will question (but only in regard to the Kizashi) is
The Kizashi, however, seems to have very high recommended pressures and it's the first vehicle where I've actually dropped the pressures slightly - particularly the rear tyre pressure - and have achieved a better handling balance. Of course the ride does get softer as a bonus. I'm only talking up to 3PSI and with a "light load" in the vehicle. I noticed a couple of other members posted similar results recently in another thread.
Bizzenn, is it the ride improvement you're chasing or trying to save money? Personally, I'd avoid changing the size - especially where the diameter is being modified. If the ride is bugging you, you could try dropping the pressures slightly - obviously caution and common sense needs to be used. Don't make a huge change (try 2PSI) and don't use these reduced pressures for higher speeds or full loads. Otherwise, try reading reviews on Tirerack and look for a replacement that is reviewed well for the ride characteristics.
Probably the only part I will question (but only in regard to the Kizashi) is
I'd normally totally agree as most manufacturers seem to err on the side of low pressure (for comfort) over the optimum pressure for handling. I've always added a couple of PSI extra on all my vehicles (for as long as I can remember driving) with good results in handling.twoqttsdad wrote:also playing with the tire pressure to get the desired results. But not below recommended psi!
The Kizashi, however, seems to have very high recommended pressures and it's the first vehicle where I've actually dropped the pressures slightly - particularly the rear tyre pressure - and have achieved a better handling balance. Of course the ride does get softer as a bonus. I'm only talking up to 3PSI and with a "light load" in the vehicle. I noticed a couple of other members posted similar results recently in another thread.
Bizzenn, is it the ride improvement you're chasing or trying to save money? Personally, I'd avoid changing the size - especially where the diameter is being modified. If the ride is bugging you, you could try dropping the pressures slightly - obviously caution and common sense needs to be used. Don't make a huge change (try 2PSI) and don't use these reduced pressures for higher speeds or full loads. Otherwise, try reading reviews on Tirerack and look for a replacement that is reviewed well for the ride characteristics.
David