Ok, so I have 2007 G35 Sedan Journey, with 225/50 R18 tires in front and 245/45 R18 in back (car was bought like that). Front tires are 18 x 7.5, rear are 18 x 8.5.

This is my first winter on snow, and needless to say -- I'm sliding all over the place.

Locals told me that since I'll be buying winter tires, I better buy set of 17" wheels as well.

My questions are:

a) is that a good idea (to go with smaller tires as well)?
b) since originally I have bigger tires in back, can I put all 4 tires same size, or that's not such a good idea?

All answers and suggestions are more than welcomed! Thanks!!

 

Smaller wheels, and narrower tires are pretty common for winter set ups. Just make sure they will clear your brakes, since you have a journey I think any 17 will clear unless you have a BBK. With a smaller wheel you can get a higher profile (to match current diameter) which helps with snow/ice traction since the sidewalls will be softer to help conform to bumps and ruts. narrower tires will help sink through the snow and get to the road easier. And yes all four tires the same size is perfect, it will help ensure same tire circumference which will help the traction control system on your G. It works by sensing when one or more wheels is spinning differently then the rest, so equal diameters is good.

 

Just as I got all excited (after reading your reply), the local dealer (I'm in Europe right now) told me that he can't get me 17" wheels :-(

So... What do I do now, what tires do you recommend? Should I buy 4 x 225/50, or can I (and should I) go with something even smaller? I saw online, it will be much easier for me to find 225/45 (for example)...

Thanks!!!

 

If you are looking at getting tires online can you get wheels too? If you can't and you are sticking with the 18s you mentioned in the OP then 225/45s would work fine, you prolly can't go down to 215 with the 8.5" wide wheels but I am not positive. I have 225/55 on my 17s and they work good.

If you can get stuff from tirerack online you can get cheap 17s with tires mounted and ready to go.

 

Not much choice online, so I was browsing more for info. One way or the other I have to buy at the shop.

One guy at the shop just told me I can't go with 225/45 (on all 4) because "it would be too low" (his words).

As you can see, I know nothing about tires. I'm SoCal transplant and snow is... whole new world for me :-)))

So... you think the guy is wrong, and I could go with 225/45 on all 4?

 

OEM size is 225/50 for 18s so you would be safe sticking with that size, if you want to go down to 45 profile that reduces the sidewall height by about 1/2". I don't think that is too big a deal but for snows you would be safer sticking with the 50's if for some reason you can only get 45s they'll still work.

 

THANKS big time, now i know at least what my options are!

cheers!

 

no problem, best of luck. Enjoy Europe!!!

 

europe's cool, thanks!

last question... can i fit 225/55 (on all 4), will that work??

 

I'd think so, unless you are dropped. The 225/55 will be about 1/2" taller sidewall. So that means it will fill up your wheel wheel well with 1/2" more rubber and raise your ride hide 1/2", no biggee I think. Keep in mind your speedo will be a little off..... to find out exactly I put it into this calculator:

http://www.4lo.com/4LoCalc.htm

With the new tire when your speedo shows 60mph you'll actually be going 62mph, not much different. It's a linear change to BTW.

 

wow, that's really cool tool...

looking at calculator, looks like 235/45 and 235/50 would be valuable options as well, correct? :-)

in that case... you would recommend 235/50, correct?

 

If it was a summer tire I'd say yeah, but remember narrower is better for snow tires. 235 is 10mm wider than 225. I'd stick with the 225 width.

 

so... since i cant locate 225/50... 225/55 is still better than 235/50?

 

:nod:

 

If you use 17" rims, go with 225/55/17 on all four. This will keep outer diameter of tire very close to what your stock 225/50/18 fronts and 245/45/18 rears are.

You can check tirerack.com for example. They will tell you what size wheels and tires are available for your winter set up.