tire size

[Mayhem_J30]

When purchasing my tire/wheel package last year from tire rack they recommend 225/45-17 size for 17X8 wheels. After looking at some Michelon tire specs I noticed a 'Rim Width RAnge' column of data. With 8" wide wheels it appears I can go up to a 245 tire. At the same time it would be increasing my max load a couple notches from 225-235-245 with 1323/1433/1521 lbs respectively. The load ratings are odd though as it goes 90/93/90 for those sizes. If this is true why did Tirerack not recommend the optimum tire wich would be the 235's instead of the 225's?Currently the 225's on the J look almost to small for the wheel. I'm interested in moving up to 235 for the next tire purchase.

Are there tire width rules to follow?Is moving up a good idea?Here's the chart I've been using for comparison. Let me know if the link doesn't work. http://www.tirerack.com/tires/...GT+H4

[Repo Man]

It seems to me that Tirerack recommends tires that are too small. I don't know why that is, but I think the more rubber to the ground, the better (within reason and practicality).

I'd go to 245 on the J, keeping the same OD of course.

[greg_atlanta]

Tirerack doesn't want you returning tires which rub the fenders or suspension. (Think of the revenue they loose since any returned merchandise is no longer brand new). So they're going to play it safe.

Only accurate answer on tire fit is from other owners whose wheels have similar offsets.

[BadQ45t]

I agree, I'm going 255 on 17" rims and don't expect any rub on my 97' Q45.

[Q45tech]

It has only been recently that Tire Rack has understood the legal ramifications of selling a tire which is under the LEGAL minimum load index rating required by the factory.Law suits are working there way thru the courts.

You will soon find it impossible to buy tires without signing a liability release whenever the size or load or speed rating is inferior to that which came on the car new!

This is a good thing and will save lives [hopefully] as will the new requirements that all tires be at least 3% stronger .

Personally I would like to see this tripled to 10% but buyers will whine about the extra $10.