**Winter tire setup help**

[trev762]

Originally Posted by growling_boxer

like I said, going with a narrower tire will buy you some clearance, but just going from an 18 to a 17 on it's own has nothing to do with that, unless you are getting a narrower wheel. you can can also get more clearance going to a shorter overall diameter tire. but staying with an equal tire and going from an 18 to a 17 (e.g. 245/40R18 to 245/45R17), will not buy you clearance.

Yes if u r comparing same width (245/45/17 vs 245/40/18) but if u compare 225/45/17 vs 245/40/18 the 225/45/17 will have a smaller diameter due to the shorter width u need to remember the wider the tire the taller the tire will be with the same series but varies from brand of tire.

My dedicated winter tires r blizzak lm60 225/45/17 vs my 245/40/18. Since I have the performance winter tires and even though they're a 45 series r a smaller diameter by about 1" giving more wheel well clearance.

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[growling_boxer]

Originally Posted by trev762

Yes if u r comparing same width (245/45/17 vs 245/40/18) but if u compare 225/45/17 vs 245/40/18 the 225/45/17 will have a smaller diameter due to the shorter width u need to remember the wider the tire the taller the tire will be with the same series but varies from brand of tire.

My dedicated winter tires r blizzak lm60 225/45/17 vs my 245/40/18. Since I have the performance winter tires and even though they're a 45 series r a smaller diameter by about 1" giving more wheel well clearance.

so, you're getting more clearance because you are going to a shorter overall tire diameter (as well as narrower). it has nothing to do with being on a 17 vs. 18, which is what you claimed, and could be very confusing to someone who doesn't understand how this works. I am trying to make it as clear as possible for the OP here. he could just as easily have decided that 225/50R17 was the right size because it is closer in overall diameter than a 225/45R17, especially if he doesn't want to lose 0.38" in ride height. and that 0.38" is also the amount of extra clearance you have above, although the narrower tire helps you get in there at an angle.

let's be clear here for the people that don't understand how it all works.

[trev762]

Originally Posted by growling_boxer

so, you're getting more clearance because you are going to a shorter overall tire diameter (as well as narrower). it has nothing to do with being on a 17 vs. 18, which is what you claimed, and could be very confusing to someone who doesn't understand how this works. I am trying to make it as clear as possible for the OP here. he could just as easily have decided that 225/50R17 was the right size because it is closer in overall diameter than a 225/45R17, especially if he doesn't want to lose 0.38" in ride height. and that 0.38" is also the amount of extra clearance you have above, although the narrower tire helps you get in there at an angle.

let's be clear here for the people that don't understand how it all works.

Exactly what I stated from my very first post that over all thinner and smaller diameter so what's not so clear/

Edit: as far as ride height goes if u r at stock height is not going create any issues as appose to having very little wheel well clearance for buildup of snow and ice.

[growling_boxer]

Originally Posted by trev762

Exactly what I stated from my very first post that over all thinner and smaller diameter so what's not so clear/

I didn't go back to read your original, where you did make a specific tire size suggestion:

Originally Posted by trev762

Definitely go with a 17" with a 225/45/17 winter tire but make sure u go with a performance winter tire H rated or better.

But I did remember you writing:

Originally Posted by trev762

Smaller wheel more fender well clearance to allow for snow and ice buildup plus easier to knock off access snow and ice.

...which is what I had discounted in my original reply to you. so, whatever. it should hopefully be painfully clear at this point.

[trev762]

Originally Posted by growling_boxer

I didn't go back to read your original, where you did make a specific tire size suggestion:

But I did remember you writing:

...which is what I had discounted in my original reply to you. so, whatever. it should hopefully be painfully clear at this point.

Lol that is why before u post anything should read all the posts bin there done that. Yes I think its painfully clear at this point.

[growling_boxer]

Originally Posted by trev762

Lol that is why before u post anything should read all the posts bin there done that. Yes I think its painfully clear at this point.

dude. reading all of your posts, you still told him that an 18x8 reduces clearance, and that a smaller wheel will give more clearance. and you never explained that the tire size you initially suggested was why he would get more clearance.

[trev762]

Originally Posted by growling_boxer

dude. reading all of your posts, you still told him that an 18x8 reduces clearance, and that a smaller wheel will give more clearance. and you never explained that the tire size you initially suggested was why he would get more clearance.

Huh:/
I said an 18x8 245/40/18 with snow tires will reduce clearance and a 17x7 with a 225/45/17 will give more clearance r u confused/

[growling_boxer]

Originally Posted by trev762

Huh:/
I said an 18x8 245/40/18 with snow tires will reduce clearance and a 17x7 with a 225/45/18 will give more clearance r u confused/

No, I'm not. But I am done. In case you forgot what you wrote...

Originally Posted by trev762

Winter tires on 18×8 u r defeating the purpose of good grip in slippery conditions not to mention risking damage due to fender well clearance issues from snow and ice buildup

Originally Posted by trev762

Smaller wheel more fender well clearance to allow for snow and ice buildup plus easier to knock off access snow and ice.

[trev762]

Originally Posted by growling_boxer

No, I'm not. But I am done. In case you forgot what you wrote...

Lol and u forgot to add my first post hence 17x7 with 225/45/17 vs 18x8 with 245/40/18. Meaning smaller all around!!

As anybody can see in your first post recommending a 17x8 wheel lol.

[VicsSTi1288]

Thanks for all the info guys!!! I'm sure you helped a lot of others too.

I'm very excited to get my car .... It's been a long wait .. Should be here mid-November ... Hopefully !!!

2013 WRB WRX STi 4door sedan w/Navigation