225 tyres on 215 wheels
Discussion
My car needs 4 new tyres and they are a daft size (215/45/18) and as a result they are really quite expensive for a complete set - and there isn't that much choice.
People have suggested that I should just put 225's on as they are abundant and significantly cheaper.
What is the accepted wisdom here? My gut feel is that i should stick with 215's - unless people want to tell me that it will make bugger all difference to handling, grip, traction, feel, wear etc.
What do we think?
People have suggested that I should just put 225's on as they are abundant and significantly cheaper.
What is the accepted wisdom here? My gut feel is that i should stick with 215's - unless people want to tell me that it will make bugger all difference to handling, grip, traction, feel, wear etc.
What do we think?
Having done this exact thing on a similar car, I'm qualified to comment! 
My Mazda 6 MPS also comes with fairly rare 215/45/18 Y93 tyres and i was tempted by the greater choice of 225/45/18. The difference in overall rolling radius is less than 1% so makes no difference to anything. I've had no noticeable difference other than a wider choice and better prices. The key thing is to make sure you keep the same or better speed and load ratings. If your load rating is 93 or above don't be tempted by 225/40/18 as most have a load rating of 92 or below and your insurance may ask questions if you have make a claim.
My Mazda 6 MPS also comes with fairly rare 215/45/18 Y93 tyres and i was tempted by the greater choice of 225/45/18. The difference in overall rolling radius is less than 1% so makes no difference to anything. I've had no noticeable difference other than a wider choice and better prices. The key thing is to make sure you keep the same or better speed and load ratings. If your load rating is 93 or above don't be tempted by 225/40/18 as most have a load rating of 92 or below and your insurance may ask questions if you have make a claim.
I currently use 225's on my G33 which specifies 215's. They are fine on the 7 inch wide rim. I have also used 205's. Use a tyre calculator online to make sure that you get theb right profile to make the diameter as close to the standard tyre as possible otherwise your speedo will be out
blueg33 said:
Use a tyre calculator online to make sure that you get theb right profile to make the diameter as close to the standard tyre as possible otherwise your speedo will be out
Here you go:http://www.rimsntires.com/rt_specs.jsp
So let me get this right. I had a hard day (fun day) at the TA track the other day in my new Altima and soon afterward, I realized I need to get some throw-aways! I was asked by a good friend at a shop if 225's would work on my car but I did not know and neither of us have put in the research. So I CAN ride on 225's with the stock 215 wheels? If so I am very glad to hear this and thank you all!
Should be fine - I have also done exactly the same on my Mazda 6 MPS. Went from 215/45/18 to 225/45/18. I could have gone for either the 40 or 45 profile as both give similar differences in rolling radius (45 is slightly closer I believe). Put some conti sport contact 5's on which were about the same price as some budgets I the original size. Only downside I've had is that the contis have a soft sidewall so you can feel iit moving around a little when making progress - I'm sure a slightly stuffer sidewall tyre would be perfect
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