Why do we go with 18" wheels instead of 20" for winter?

djpathfinder · 11-09-2011, 09:58 AM

1) You must keep overall diameter (O.D.) the same as OEM +/-0.6" no matter what size rims you get. O.D. of OEM 19" setup is 26.5-26.8" otherwise your speedometer will be out and your ride height/ground clearance will change.

2) For winter, you want a tire with either a slightly larger aspect ratio (ie. sidewall) or equivalent to your OEMs...therefore, 18" or 19" wheels, to allow for more tire and thus better winter grip. No need to go with 20" rims.

In terms of section width, go no wider than OEM (245/275). In fact it's OK to go with slightly narrower width tires, because they will handle icy roads better...think of maneuvering on ice with snow shoes vs. ice skates.

GaleForce · 11-09-2011, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djpathfinder

1) You must keep overall diameter (O.D.) the same as OEM +/-0.6" no matter what size rims you get. O.D. of OEM 19" setup is 26.5-26.8" otherwise your speedometer will be out and your ride height/ground clearance will change.

2) For winter, you want a tire with either a slightly larger aspect ratio (ie. sidewall) or equivalent to your OEMs...therefore, 18" or 19" wheels, to allow for more tire and thus better winter grip. No need to go with 20" rims.

In terms of section width, go no wider than OEM (245/275). In fact it's OK to go with slightly narrower width tires, because they will handle icy roads better...think of maneuvering on ice with snow shoes vs. ice skates.

Listen to this advice. exactly right.

11-09-2011, 09:58 AM	#1 (permalink)
djpathfinder A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Edmonton, Canada Posts: 12,910 Drives: 2012 GT-R BE Rep Power: 734	1) You must keep overall diameter (O.D.) the same as OEM +/-0.6" no matter what size rims you get. O.D. of OEM 19" setup is 26.5-26.8" otherwise your speedometer will be out and your ride height/ground clearance will change. 2) For winter, you want a tire with either a slightly larger aspect ratio (ie. sidewall) or equivalent to your OEMs...therefore, 18" or 19" wheels, to allow for more tire and thus better winter grip. No need to go with 20" rims. In terms of section width, go no wider than OEM (245/275). In fact it's OK to go with slightly narrower width tires, because they will handle icy roads better...think of maneuvering on ice with snow shoes vs. ice skates. __________________ 2012 GT-R Black Edition Jet Black 2010 370Z 40th Anniversary // SOLD

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