235/50/17

[YipMan_Style]

I read that some Max guys run on 235/50/17. Please offer a review.

Thanks,

[MaximA32]

Could you be a little more specific as to what you're actually looking for? A tire size and a request for a random review isn't clear at all. More info needed.

[YipMan_Style]

I know that's not the OEM size.

- Does it feel rubbery? Because it's a bit taller?

- Does it generate more tire noise? Since it's wider. I know noise is also a factor of brand, but in your case, did you noticed any additional tire/road noise?

- Did you feel the ride was smoother (softer)?

- Do you feel your steering weight a bit more, because the tire is wider than OEM?

Thank you.

[tigersharkdude]

Everything listed about IMHO feels/is the same as stock

[YipMan_Style]

Mind if I ask for a pic with 235/50/17. TIA

[MinisterofDOOM]

- Does it feel rubbery? Because it's a bit taller?

- Does it generate more tire noise? Since it's wider. I know noise is also a factor of brand, but in your case, did you noticed any additional tire/road noise?

- Did you feel the ride was smoother (softer)?

- Do you feel your steering weight a bit more, because the tire is wider than OEM?

Thank you.

The difference in sidewall height is only 5mm, so it shouldn't be noticable. If you're really worried, you could try a 235-45-17, and that would reduce sidewall height by about 7mm compared to the stockers. For reference 25.4mm is one inch.

Noise will be entirely dependent on the tire model itself. Assuming you go with two of the same tire, though, I doubt there would be a noticable difference. I've varied from 225 to 255 on my Q45 and road noise variance was never enough for me to notice.

That, again, will depend on the tires in question. Higher speed and load ratings mean a stiffer sidewall, lower ratings will have a softer sidewall. 5mm isn't enough to induce much more sidewall flex, so I would say tire model will be the real factor there.

I've run everything from 225 to 255 on the front of my Q, and never noticed a change in steering weight in motion. Even while stopped, I don't recall there being a noticable difference. Power steering should make up for that.
Wider tires WILL tend to "tramline" more (following ruts and impressions in the road more), but at only a 10mm difference from stock, I doubt it will be very noticable, if at all.

For the sake of discussion, I switched from 255-45-17 to 215-60-15 ever winter, then back every summer, with my Q45. With that 40mm sidewall variance (almost 2 inches) I noticed a HUGE difference in ride quality (softer and number with the 15s, tighter and more consistent with the 17s). The biggest thing I noticed is that, despite the stiffer ride with the low-profile 17s, the ride still felt "silkier", likely because of the larger rolling diameter (and likely the extra width as well). Stiff, but smooth, as opposed to soft and floaty. A smaller (width or diameter) tire will be affected by finer road imperfections than a larger tire.

The only significant difference I never noticed between 225 and 255, though, was traction...and that again was probably at least equally due to the specific tire models in question.

Honestly, my favorite size tire for both 17 and 18 inch wheels is 245-45. I'm not sure how wide your stock Maxima wheels are, but if they'll support the 245s it's another size to consider. As an added bonus, the overall height of 225-50-17 and 245-45-17 is only .1mm different.

This is an excellent tool for comparing tire sizes and their differences:
http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

[YipMan_Style]

Thanks for the details above.