Optimal tire size for DD and canyon driving?

[DarkSunrise]

I don't notice any loss in steering response or feedback at the track on 235/40/17, but the sidewall on these tires is very stiff (NT05) and they're mounted on 8" wide wheels.

Also note the reduced sidewall makes the fender gap more noticeable on stock suspension.



I'd go with 215 or 225 in your position.

[Superhatch]

Originally Posted by juliog

Keep in mind that the actual width of the tire varies per manufacturer/tire model, e.g. not all 225s are the same width..

The sidewall to sidewall measurement has an industry standard, and this is measured and repeatable between manufacturers.

The tread width does not have any standard, and this is where you can see different contact patches for the same size tire between different styles of tire (winter vs. all season vs. summer) and manufacturers (dunlop vs. nitto summer tires of the same size).

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete...jsp?techid=194

Note section: Section Width.

So a 225 will always have a sidewall to sidewall measurement of 225mm (see Section Width below), but the tread of two 225 wide tires can be different (see Tread Width below).

[ashtray]

UPDATE:

Ok, so I decided to go with 225/45/17 on my 7.75" rims. Michelin Pilot Super Sports.

$70 rebate going on now. Got a decent deal locally. They had to order them but will get them Monday. Looking forward to the newfound grip but also the ability to drive my car in the rain this winter.

Debated for a while between 215 and 225, but in the end its not going to have a huge impact and I'd prefer that tiny bit more of traction. With the wider than stock rims, I figure overall height/diameter is close to stock.

[ashtray]

Ok, 225/45/17 Pilot Super Sports = super happy.

Should have done this 2 years ago...

[jflogerzi]

This what run and extremely happy.