vin 78

Hello all,
I'm getting ready to buy some new tires.
I was wondering if anyone has tried 225/45/18 size tires?

I was using 225/40/18 tires which I never had any problems with; however, I'm planing to buy 45 series tires to protect my wheels better.
I sent all 4 of my wheels to the rim repair shop to have them reconditioned. All 4 wheels are still in good shape but they seem to loose a little luster over the years (7 year old wheels).

My main concern is the plastic inner fender well rubbing, since its going to be a little taller.

Sorry if this is a repost, I couldn't find any past posts regarding this topic.

Maxx941

iTrader: (1)

My future plans involves the same setup. I'd like to know as well

Pchaser

iTrader: (1)

stock tire height (16") is 25.3"

ur current set-up 225/40/18 is 25.1" so ur tire height is actually lower than ur stock tires

tire height for 225/45/18 is 26" even so u might be ok but I suggest asking around a little more b4 u do it

I went with 235/40/18 height is 25.4" almost exact same height as stock tires, they do a better job protecting ur rims than the 225/40 because they are slightly taller & have a little more rubber between ur rim & the ground
plus tires are wider so u get better traction

235/40/18 ir recommended size for putting 18" on 01 ES300
I did my research on www.superbuytires.com before I bought my rims if u wanna check it out

Kohinoor

iTrader: (22)

its gonna look weird with 45s and its gonna throw your speedometer off more

LexFather

That is good advice.

You need to go with 40 series tires, the 45/18 will rub with people/thingsi n your car.

flipside909

What brand tires are you using and what size are your rims? Chances are the tires you have right now have very soft sidewalls. Also how stiff are you running your coilovers? The stiffer you set the dampening, the more chances your rims are going to get bent going over a hard pothole. The force/energy has to go somewhere, your wheels and tire sidewalls are the weakest link to that shock absorbtion.

vin 78

My rims are 18 x 8 +44 offset (or maybe 7.5 can't remember).
The coilovers are set at 7 (front) and 5 (rear) out of 16. I know the chances bending the wheel are very little because its set so soft, but the thicker tire is just for a little peace of mind.

Maxx941

iTrader: (1)

Funny I was recommended by Tire Rack to go with 45 series tires a few months back and they said its closer to stock diameter.

Found this Tire Calculator here
http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

And for 40 series tires it states:
stock Diameter is 25.5 in
40 series is 25.1 in

for 45 series it states 26.0 in

I guess what it comes down to is does it really rub? Or only with Buttloads of passengers?
And are the 45 series any more beneficial to ride quality?

HAppy 4th Everyone!

vin 78

Thanks Maxx941,

It really helps since I just bought the tires (45 series).
You're right, my only real concern is that I up-sized my tire width from 205 to 225, the extra thickness can result in rubbing in the inside plastic tire well, not fenders.
I could always raise my car a little bit, but I don't have any adjustments to compensate for the tire rubbing against the tire wells.

I'll let you guys know one I have the tires installed.