Hey all, I’m hoping for some anecdotal evidence stories from people who have changed tire size. I have the stock 17s on my car which are 205/45/17. I know that you are supposed to not go above a 3% difference in tire size.

but..

I want to move to a 205/50/17 which is 3.33% larger than stock. I am looking for a wider ranger of winter tires and have looked at 215/40/17 and 205/40/17 and although those sizes are within the 3% change they don’t seem to have much as far as winter options.

I know that stock size tires have a few winter options and I have tried two different types of studless ice and snow and was not super pleased with either. Where I live it is good to be on studded snow tires, even have them on my 4wd blazer (which is currently dying hence the looking for mini tires). 205/50/17 has 3 studdable options on tire rack so I would love to go with one of them.

 

Try looking at 215/45/17, there seems to be a lot of options there and that’s what I’m running.

 

For winter tires, consider a second set of 16” wheels, and go for 205/50-16 tires. For winter driving, you’ll appreciate the lighter weight. And you’ll save on having the tires swapped over twice per season.

 

have you had any issues rubbing or fitting them? Are you stock?

 

I thought about going to a smaller rim but I was lucky enough to get a second set of stock 17s for a very cheap price so rather than buying 16s I figured I’d use what I have.

 

I currently have 215/45-17 winter tires on my OEM 17 inch wheels, and the are HEAVY. The OEM wheels are heavy enough, but when paired with snow tires in 215/45 size, OMG. If you absolutely have to run OEM 17" wheels for winter, stick with a 205/45-17.

For comparison, I have a set of OEM Miata 17" wheels with 215/45-17 Kuhmo tires, and they weigh in about 38lbs total. My winter set up of OEM Mini wheels and 215/45-17 Firestone Winterforce tires, and the set tips the scale at ~45-48 lbs! You wouldn't think 10 lbs would be that much, but the car is such a pig with the winter wheels.

 

I’ve wintered it with the stock 17s before and had no issues.not worried about the weight or anything, just looking for a better tire than the once’s I’ve used. I loved the blizzaks in stock size when I used them but they wore out WAYYY to quick

 

I have to agree with Jason and Nick. If you want to keep your 17" wheels anyway and tire choice
is your concern just go with 215/45 R17. Better choice than 205/45 and not that tall as 205/50 R17.
Still a bit heavy though. Personally I'm running 195/55 R16 during winter and will go 205/50 R16 next.

 

thanks I just looked into it and the 215/45 comes with the same studded options as the ones that I looked at. So that might be the tire size for me!

 

thank you, when I was talking to the tire shop they never mentioned that size. Looks like 215/45/17 is the way im going to try this year.