I need to get new tires and was interested in getting some Hankook Ventus 12's... However, the front size do not match that of the stock tires. Can someone suggest what size you got? or what size will work?

I tried searching and found couple threads talkin about it but no one said what or if this is even possible......

Thanks!

Edit: this is for my 08 w/ Sports option.

 

Yeah, they don't have much in the way of choices for the fronts. The closest match would be to run the rear sizes (245/45) on the front. It's right at the recommended limit for mounting on the narrower front rim, so it would be a little rolly-polly looking and slightly compromised handling, but it would fit. A better choice may be to just go with a different brand that offers better sizing. I'd highly recommend the new Michelin Pilot Super Sports (which come in stock sizes). They're an awesome tire and currently a great value. Tire rack lists the set for $738 - 70 coupon = $668 which is really close to the price of a set of the Hankooks. Given the choice, I'd choose the Michelins all day long over those Hankooks.

.02

 

What I did was plus size the tires all around. I did the 245/45 up front, which don't look any different from the oem sized 225/50 and went with 255/40/18 in rear. The grip is significantly better than stock and contrary to what some might think, the response remains about the same if you increase the psi slightly. Once again, it looks exactly the same as stock, the tires do not have the "balloon" look as one might expect with a wider tire on a narrower rim. The sidewall on the rears however, is a bit lower than stock, so you may want to run 255/45 instead of the 40 series.

 

Thank you for the info guys. Hmm I'm not sure if getting a slightly different size to save a few bucks is worth it. I think I'll go with the Michelins as it was my first choice....

Where did you get your tire shipped to from Tire Rack? Do they charge shipping if you ship it to a certified dealer? and how much did you end up paying for install?

 

Tire Rack ships from various warehouses distributed throughout the country. I've used them numerous times over the years, and mine usually come from Reno, but yours may come from another location. I think it's usually around $50 to ship them, but there's no tax! I always have them shipped right to the installer. They have a list of recommended installers in every area with their guaranteed install prices listed for each. You can look on the website and research who you'd like to install and go from there.

Alternatively, if you're near a Costco, I think you can do nearly as well by buying them there. Whenever possible, I will just get my tires there. It's just that sometimes they don't carry or can't get the particular ones I'm looking for. Their prices are excellent, they have the same coupon thing, free nitrogen fill, and road hazard warranty is included (BTW, it's extra with Tire Rack), no shipping charges, but you do pay taxes so it ends up being about the same out the door.

Next, I would try pricing at America's Discount Tire store.

Good luck, and you're gonna love those tires!

 

Thank you for the great advice!