I've finally worn out my tread on my 12' sedan (17" rims). I live in FL and was looking to get a good summer tire. Just a nice mid range one (no Pilot SS needed). What I've come to notice is that most of the summer tires I want don't come in the 225/55 size. The ones I want are mostly 235/50 and 1 is a 235/55. Are there any issue in running the 235/50? I believe its .4"/1.5% shorter in diameter. Will it look small/weird on the G? Rougher handling or any other issues? Should I go with the 50 over the 55 or vice versa? I already feel like there is plenty of room with the stock tire and would hate to go smaller.

Below are the choices I am trying to make.

1. Should i stick with stock size? Think there is a BF Goodrich Comp-2
2. 235/50 is the Conti DW
3. 235/55 is the Yoko S-Drive
4. 245/50 (matches stock size) is the Conti DSW06

I am leaning toward the conti DW. Anyone have any experience with this tire? Any other recommendations?

I would love to go to an 18" rim, but it won't happen before I need to get a new set on.

Any help is appreciated.

 

Just go w/ the BFG Sport Comp 2 in the 225/55/17 size, they're very good tires, much better than what's on there now. Anything over a 225 on a 7.5" rim is a pinched mount and I wouldn't recommend doing that.

 

Generally the max recommended tire width on a 7.5" rim is 235. It may look slightly "pinched" but there is no safety issue.

As for tire recommendations I don't have any, but I would start with the factory size.

 

Thanks guys! If i decided to go with a 235 should i run a 235/50 or 55? i think that is the part I'm stuck on now. one is slightly taller and one slightly shorter. not sure what the best route is here on that sizing?

Thoughts?

 

Some of what I say is purely speculation on my part.
I would think a /55 tire having a slightly taller sidewall would give a slightly "plusher" ride since there is more sidewall to flex. Also since it is taller you would be going faster for any given rpm and get better mileage. A /50 tire would have slightly better turn in and feel since there is less sidewall to flex. Since it is shorter you would have slightly shorter gearing and greater acceleration at the expense of mileage. Whether the difference is measurable... I don't know. Also 1 manufacturers 235/55-17 will not be the exact same size as an others.
If any of my assumptions are inncorect I'm sure someone will come along and set things right.

 

 

Just went through this exercise in the Northeast. I have winter wheels and tires so just wanted a reasonably priced summer tire. I actually landed on the Pilot Sport A/S3+ and I love them. A bit louder so far than the old MXV4 tires that came off, but it handles like a new car. And not too bad (I think 160 on Tire Rack last I checked?) Available in 225/55r17