03 M45 Lowest Profile Tire Size for Stock 18" Wheels???

[eskay]

Does anybody have lower profile tires for their stock 18" wheels? I know 245 45 18 will fit. Bit does anybody have a lower profile size stance for the stock wheels? If so, what tire sizes are you using?? There's just too much tire showing on the stock wheels. Thanx

[GJEMD]

The stock 235/45/18 are lower profile. The height is 45% of 235 vs 45% of 245.

[szh]

Yes, but the selection of tires is a lot lower - nothing really good in that 235/45-18 size.

Many of the other lower aspect ratio tires (below 245/45-18 and 235/45-18) will be troublesome in some way or another.

Remember that the OEM wheel width is 7.5". This restricts the width of tire you can place on the wheel, particularly with lower aspect ratio tires that cannot flex as much to accommodate the smaller height of the tire.

Plus, most of the lower aspect ratio tires, that would be narrow enough to work for the wheel, tend to have lower load index values. Since they are intended for the folks who are increasing up from some lower width tire on a small car.

If you want lower aspect ratio tires, and the gain is not necessarily worth it, imho, then you need to change the wheel to a 19" or 20". Tires that are the correct load index and speed index then tend to be more expensive.

The bottom line: if you want to use the OEM wheel, stick with 235/45 or 245/45 for the right balance between everything.

Z

[GJEMD]

Yes, but the selection of tires is a lot lower - nothing really good in that 235/45-18 size.

Many of the other lower aspect ratio tires (below 245/45-18 and 235/45-18) will be troublesome in some way or another.

Remember that the OEM wheel width is 7.5". This restricts the width of tire you can place on the wheel, particularly with lower aspect ratio tires that cannot flex as much to accommodate the smaller height of the tire.

Plus, most of the lower aspect ratio tires, that would be narrow enough to work for the wheel, tend to have lower load index values. Since they are intended for the folks who are increasing up from some lower width tire on a small car.

If you want lower aspect ratio tires, and the gain is not necessarily worth it, imho, then you need to change the wheel to a 19" or 20". Tires that are the correct load index and speed index then tend to be more expensive.

The bottom line: if you want to use the OEM wheel, stick with 235/45 or 245/45 for the right balance between everything.

Z

Plan ahead. It takes about 4 weeks to get a set of Kumho 235/45/18.about $140/tire drive out

[szh]

Plan ahead. It takes about 4 weeks to get a set of Kumho 235/45/18.about $140/tire drive out

Which Kumho model and brand? Please provide some information so that I can find the specs and add it to the list in my spreadsheet!

Thanks!

Z

[maxnix]

Plan ahead. It takes about 4 weeks to get a set of Kumho 235/45/18. about $140/tire drive out

Best to avoid wasting money on the Kumhos altogether.

Since the tire is the only part of the car in contact with the road, it is not wise to skimp here.

[GJEMD]

Which Kumho model and brand? Please provide some information so that I can find the specs and add it to the list in my spreadsheet!

Thanks!

Z

Kumho ECSTA SPT 235/45/18 UHP tire. I've owned several sets of Kumho's and have been well pleased. Ride, wear, noise, wet/dry traction all 9/10. Opinions are important when based on experience and not innuendo. These are world class UHP Korean tires. They are obvious a value. Now I live in the South so I'm not inconvenienced by seasonal considerations. I just went to the Tire Rack customer rating. These tires got 8.4/10 in all categories.

[szh]

Thanks ... I will take a look at this tire specs.

Z