Is the the 205-45-17 sidewall taller then the 215-45-17 ????

I found a width chart that tell me the 215 is .36 inches wider but I can't find a chart on which one is a taller tire.

 

The 215 will have a slightly taller sidewall because the 45 measurement really means 45% of the width of the tire.

I have 215/45's on my car and LOVE them. They have improved the quality of my life greatly.

 

Thank you for the information. I will get the 215/45/17 Michelin Exalto PE's for my car. I just did not want shorter sidewalls then I have now.

Do you still put 38psi in your tires? I know with run-flats you need the 38psi but is it still needed for non-runflat tires or would 32 or 34 psi work?

 

Here you go.

Play with this for a while.

 

Great site. Thank You.

 

Aye. There's a ton of information on that one page, including what your speedo will read.

 

I would run about 33-35 psi in non-runflat tires. However, different tires may require certain exceptions so check with the manufacturer or your tire sales person and see what they say. I run 34 psi in my continental tires and they ride very well.

 

I found the 215/40/17s to be a better fit. The 215/45s are .9cm larger diameter than the the stock 205/45s. The 215/40s are 1.2 cm shorter. Not as close a fit to the stock tires, but better handling (lower auto center of gravity) and better acceleration. Comes at the cost of a slightly harsher ride, and a slightly lower top end speed. The ride will still be much better than stock if you stay away from the runflats.

 

+1
on all posts above
I too personally prefer 215/40, but if your willing to forsake slight performance for comfort 215/45 is the way to go.