Tire Size Question 245/50 to 255/50

[Cachels1]

I'm thinking about going to larger 255/50s from the stock 245/50s.
Is this a good idea and what is the best brand to go with. Also is handling or anything else affected by switching to the wider tire?

Thanks

[Rhino21149]

I'm thinking about going to larger 255/50s from the stock 245/50s.


Thanks

255/50s will be slightly (about 3-4%) larger rolling diamter than 245/50s, diameter, so your speedo will be slightly off (saying you are going about 67 when you are actually doing 70. It also effectively changes the rear end ratio slightly, if you have a 3.42 axle ratio, with the slightly larger rolling diamter you'd have the equivalent of about what a 3.32 would do with stock tires.

Handling might be better or worse-probably depends on the make a grade of tire more than the size with this slight change.

I think you'd be better to go to something wider with a different aspect ratio, say a 275/45 or 40 or some combination that is noticeably wider but with a smaller aspect ratio so it has the same overall rolling diamter. you could talk to the guys at tireRack about what would work out well - they have all those #s at their fingertips and you'll probably get the tires there for less than anywhere else.

When my 98 was new I switched out the original 16" tires and wheels for 18's with 275x40, I believe, a lot wider and the exact same rolling diameter. That made a big difference in handling, and stopping distances, too.

[Cachels1]

I would like to switch to 275's & 17" rims, but cant afford it. Is there anyone out there who has 255/50 tires?

[Topless TA]

check tirerack and discounttiredirect
search by size not by vehicle
and if handling is important look for a Z rating with a stiff sidewall

[quicky06]

i have 255 45 17 on my rears and 235 45 17 on the front cuz the 55's wouldnt fit

[LS1-450]

It is possible to find 245's that have a tread width of a standard 255. Look closely @ the tire information & you will find that some brands run wider than average on certain models. I did this w/ my 17's, found a 245 tire with a standard 255 tread width (not tire width, but, tread width).

If you still want a true 255, then you will likely find a greater slection in the 255/45 or 255/40 ratio than in the 255/50 ratio. Good-luck with your search.