what difference does the height make on a tire?
i drive a 2005 es, and got 17s
im thinking of getting 215/xx/17
what difference does 40 and 50 make. i know what it is, but what performance, spedometer issues and other stuff does affect?

 

FIRST NUMBER IS WIDTH, SECOND NUMBER IS HEIGHT AND LAST IS RIM SIZE.


++The higher the number of the second number, the taller the tire will be. It'll take longer to go around your speedometer will be off by a bit. +++

There are a number of resources in other threads. Run a search and you'll find your answers. Trust me I did and they helped alot!

good luck.


I run a 205/45/17 on my 02' oz. Go to tirerack.com and get some measurements.

 

Really think before you go 215, you'll probably have rubbing issues. With the 215's, you probably need 35's or 40's. If you go 205 45 you'll have a less harsh ride...

 

i was reading on tire seizes and ect, and know which fits and stuff, but i dont know what the effect of the different sizes will be.
what sizes would increase (or not affect) performance?
what sizes would not affect spedometer?
what other effects can tire sizes have

 

Technically 2nd number is "profile" and it's relative to the width of the tire. A 205/45/17 does not have the same profile as a 225/45/17. Read the stickied threads.

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

 

^ Yep, second number is profile, which is the percentage of the width that is the height (example, 50 profile is 50% as tall as it is wide... roughly). With that in mind, profile only has an effect on performance in the way that a shorter sidewall will have less flex (generally). The width is more important than the profile in grip.

As to the comment on getting a 205 instead of 215, I disagree. 215s shouldn't rub as long as you have the right profile and rim offset. It will also have a wider tread for better traction. Contrary to popular belief, you won't get any harder of a ride than the 205 because the height will be compensated by the profile because, as mentioned before, it's a ratio. Check out that tire link above as it will help you. Personally, just see what profile it recommends on a 215 and you should be happy.

 

so all the height affects is possible rubbing and innacurate spedometer and odometer?

 

I guess you could say that, although the height can affect handling a little. Really tall tires tend to have a more flexible sidewall, which will make your handling feel mushy, while a short sidewall flexes less. But as long is you're ranging from about 40-55 profile, that will make a minimal difference compared to how stiff the tire maker actually makes the tire. The WIDTH of the tire has a bigger effect on handling.

 

i did that tire calc, and it gave me 215/40/17
but my friend insists (kinda) i get 215/45/17
what is the disadvantage of having the 40 instead of 45? is it more easy to damage or something?

 

the 40 is going to be a shorter sidewall, not by alot but it will be. This means that its less likely to roll over in a corner, less likely to rub. However you have to consider blowing out sidewalls when you hit potholes (or anything else for that matter) I had 40 sidewalls on my last rims and blew out three of them (yay upstate NY) So consider that as well. For the lancer the 205/45/17 is less then .1% off what OEM diameter is. The 215/40 and 215/45 are about 2% off OEM spec.

 

The biggest problem I can see with the 215/45/17 is that they are larger in diameter by a half an inch, which seems to be just enough to start rubbing. 205/45/17 or 215/40/17 ONLY, 215/45/17 will probably rub.

 

how do u get your speedometer to accomodate to the changes with having a bigger rim, tire, offset, profile, etc?

 

It's a hassle. But you don't want to stray too far from the original diameter anyway. Only the final diameter will affect the speedo, though. Rim size, offset, and profile aren't really determining factors.

 

oh, if i will be lowering it in the future, is 215/45/17 too tall? should i go 215/40/17?