Hey guys, after reading the forums on tires sizes, I've decided to go with 245/45 R18 for my Ace Zeus wheels (18 x 8.5" - 38), but after talking to the rep at Wheelmax, he said I might experience rubbing and tried to talk me into getting the 225/45's. I like the 245/45's because it provides a little more cushion for potholes and fills the fenders in more. Could you please advise if he is wrong with the rubbing because they will not back the warranty if I go with this size. I'm sporting a 2003 Sedan. Does the wheel well differ from the 2003 Sedan and other years?

Thanks

I ran a 245/45/18 on a 18x8 wheel with a +35 offset and did not rub (at stock height or lowered). It was pretty close, and your wheels will sit further out than mine, but according to my calculator your tire will actually sit .118 inches further in than mine (because the tire is streched more on the wheel). I think you will be fine.

And let me say, the guy at WheelMax is a retard. If anything you should run a 245/40/18. You will have almost (within .1 inch) the same sidewall as the 225/45, and still keep the 245 width. The guys at discount tire said the same thing to me (they recommend the 45 offset and 225 tires), all they do is look it up on their computer, they usually know nothing about your car. If they don't want to warranty you tires, buy them somewhere else....

If you are unsure, go with the 245/40 and see how much room you have (I am running this size now, but may go back to the 245/45), and then next time go with the 245/45.

Yeah, I think he is a little retarded or just wanted to push the 225's. I would prefer the 245/45's just because there's a little more cushion for the pushin. Philly streets can look pretty ugly with or w/out beer goggles. Does the actual width of the Wheel itself play any role in rubbing?

Thanks man

Yeah the width of the wheel play's a roll in rubbing, if you dont have the right offset the tire could hit the suspension on the inside or the fender on the outside, in this case, if you're not lowered you wont rub and even if you decide to do a mild drop, like Tein H-Techs you wont rub. Like stated before, the guys at wheel max just look it up on their computer, they dont know what they're doing.
-GP-

Shave the rear fenders for $50.

The 18x8.5 +38 w/ 245/45/18 will fit just fine without any problems. It will be almost identical to my set up (slightly less agressive).

Do not use the 225/45/18 as it is way too short. If you want a compromise go with 235/45/18.

As was stated before the Wheelmax guy is completely retarded. DO NOT get 225 tires. They will look like a low rider set-up.

245/45 18 makes the car handle like crap and not feel planted. I ran that size for over a year. Now i am running 245/40 18 and it is 10x better.

I'm running the same size on 19's and I love it.