Ever since my new wheel and tire set-up (Volks GT-V 19x8.5 and Falken ST-115 in 245/35/19 on all 4 corners), I have been fighting a right pull/drift while driving at highway speeds. After an exhausting time trying to find the problem with Discount tire and Infiniti Dealer (Re-balance, directional rotation and several alignments), I am now going to change my tires to a different brand. I love the Falkens quietness and ride but want to get rid of this problem. I am wondering if I should change to a 245/40/19 tire sizing. Do you think this size would look better than my current size 245/35/19. Would it fill up my wheel well any or will it look too big and lumpy? After much research I will not be dropping my car and would like your opinion on this question. Below are some tire comparisons between the two and standards for tires are Quietness, comfort ride, Tread life and handling in the rain. Thanks in advance






Tire Size Comparison
Specification Sidewall Radius Diameter Circumference Revs/Mile Difference
215/55-17 4.7in 13.2in 26.3in 82.7in 767 0.0%
245/35-19 3.4in 12.9in 25.8in 80.9in 783 -2.1%

Specification Sidewall Radius Diameter Circumference Revs/Mile Difference
215/55-17 4.7in 13.2in 26.3in 82.7in 767 0.0%
245/40-19 3.9in 13.4in 26.7in 83.9in 755 1.5%

Specification Sidewall Radius Diameter Circumference Revs/Mile Difference
245/35-19 3.4in 12.9in 25.8in 80.9in 783 0.0%
245/40-19 3.9in 13.4in 26.7in 83.9in 755 3.7%

 

The drifting problem at highway speeds might be a structural problem with the tire. You should be able to get a full credit for the tires since they are new.

Since you don't have a staggered set up and you're not gonna lower it, I'd recommend a 245/40/19 tire all around. It will fill the wheel well better. Take a look at the pic attached from one of my buddies. He has that exact set up and the car looks really good. That car is an X by the way which is 0.5" higher than the RWD.

 

Chico, Thanks!! Is the pictured car lowered at all? It looks good and fills the wheel well better. Yes, I am getting a full refund for the tires and I just want the car to go straight. Any thoughts on a brand?

 

No, the car is not lowered at all. So your car should look lower since it is a RWD.

Toyo T1R come in that size. I think Hankook and Nitto have them also. You should take a look at Dunlop Direzza. It's a new tire by Dunlop but I've heard good things from people that have them.

 

I am assuming that you bought them at Discount Tire.
since all your tires are the same size, and they may be replacing, probably only one, why dont they replace one tire and start mounting that tire on one rim at a time, test drive, and try it on another rim if the problem still exists.

 

I have the Dunlop Direzza's and love em. Stick the the road, and are pretty quiet. Its rained a few times since fall started, and they have fiard decently in the wet weather as well. Cant beat them for the price.

 

I have the Bridgestone S-03's and I have been very satisfied with the performance in wet and dry conditions. They are pricey though.

 

Discount tire has offered to change out all the tires instead of trouble shooting each one. I want to go to a different brand because I want to get rid of this problem. Each tire has been rotated to each wheel at least 2 twice including the directional rotation. I am looking at Toyo Tr-1 in 245/40/19 but will reasearch dunlop direzza. Any other feedback or opinions on brand of tires??

 

i don't think you'll gonna find tires that are cheaper than $200 a pop unless it's falken or hankook.
i like the bf goodrich kdw2 myself, rated at 300 treadwear, according to tirerack, it's up there with the pilot sports and the s-03's performance wise (both rated at 220 treadwear), another choice to keep in mind.
i think the toyo t1-s and t1-r are rated at 280 treadwear and a lot of coupe owners are running them, so i believe you can get the best price compared to bridgestone or michelin.

good luck,
benjamin

 

I am now looking at Falken Grb FK451 in 245/40/19. They have a 280 treadwear and there are not much options in tires in this size. I have heard good things about these tires and their handling. I have heard positives and negatives in running the 40 and 35 profile tires but may still go with 40's. Does anyone think that the 40 is too fat for a 19 inch rim? Any other thoughts before I order them today?

 

Do you happen to have your alignment settings?

 

the 40 does not indicate the "fatness" of the tire but indicates that the heigth side wall is 40% of the tread width. THe 245 or 235 is the tread width.

If you have a 40 series tire the 40 indicates that this tire size's sidewall height (from rim to tread) is 40% of its section (or tread) width.
The higher the number, the taller the sidewall; the lower the number, the lower the sidewall.

If your tire size's section width is 245mm and its section height is 40% of 245mm. By converting the 245mm to inches (245/25.4 = 6.1") and multiplying it by 40% (.40) we see that this tire has section or sidewall height of 2.56".

So what is the section width of your tire 245? and what is the rim width? 8" 8.5"? I think that I would be more concerned that the 19" rim may be to tall to fit a wide tire under your fenders. Another thing you need to be concerned with are the offsets of your wheels.

 

No way the 40 series tire is "too fat" on 19's. It's perfect IMO.

 

You should check out www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

 

good link.. I was looking for a calc to give me the circumference of tires. I want to upgrade to 18's or 19's but keep the factory oem circumference. Tired of doing it manually