What are your impressions: The pros and cons of orig. equip 17" vs 18" tires

[akaScott]

I Have 18" tires on my 2008 EX35 AWD Journey and haven't been ecstatic about all aspects of the tires. My car feels like it's out of alignment on (mostly at higher speeds) when it isn't (i.e. pulls to the right), and the steering generally feels looser than I'd prefer.

So, I'm curious about other peoples impressions of their tires (both 17" and 18") and the pros and cons they have with them.

Cheers

[txgcoupe]

I don't have AWD, but my 18" Dunlops are great!

Smooth and quiet. No pulling or sloppy steering.

John

[Marconelly]

I don't really understand what the benefit of 18" rims could be, other than the larger rims = better look, in most people's eye nowadays. Hell, I even think the propeller-like angling on stock 17" rims gives it a look advantage (reminds me of rims on Mercedes SLR, just not done to that extreme). On the other hand, I always think that smaller rims equal larger air cushion in the tire, meaning softer, quieter ride. Many impressions seem to confirm that for many cars.

All this is based on my assumption that the total wheel radius must remain the same, regardless of the rim size, so larger rim will have to have thinner rubber tire.

[jmess]

The 225-55-18 tire is slightly wider and with a lower (which usually equals stiffer) sidewall (sidewalls are springs). So the steering is a little more responsive and there may be a little more grip in a corner. The ride with 17s is smoother.

I think the tendency to follow the crown and ruts in the road is a feature of the Infiniti AWD system. I have noticed it in AWD EX, G35x, and M35x loaners I have driven.

My 2WD requires less steering corrections than the AWD cars I have driven.

[wolf1]

I have a 2008 AWD that came with 18" wheels. I traded mine for a set of 17's at around 1000 miles (both mine and the other EX). I wanted the smaller tire due to driving on frost-heaved, plow-rutted country roads. It was the best decision I made. I immediately noticed a softer ride, but no handling difference. My car also has a slight pull to the right, but it did with the 18" tires too. The EX rides stiff enough without adding a short sidewall tire. I had heard that there was some difference in gas mileage with the different tires, but I did not see any. Either tire I get 24.4 overall average.

[simlam]

I just got my 2010 EX AWD with 18" Dunlops tires, and it does pull to the right at low speed.

Does anyone know why it does that?

Thanks.