Crack on tires?

[BobMs_wht2k2]

Don't drop the size down to a 40 series.... you can also go 215/40 instead of your 205/45.

[TERRY1]

What's with the 40 series? If 215/40 is similar in price and fits, that's fine with me.

[BobMs_wht2k2]

215 is width in mm. 40 is the aspect ratio, or simply put the % of tread width giving your sidewall height. the 17 is obviously rim diameter.

Stock tire size is 195/60/15 Correct +2 upsize is the 205/45/17, while the 215/40 is really close in diameter, 205/40 is too small and looks like a rubber band on the car and 215/45 is taller than stock diameter.

When you increase wheel diameter, you have to decrease the aspect ratio to compensate. technically the correct plus size woudl be a 195/55/16, and a 195/50/17, but those sizes really don't exist and we make do wit hthe 205/50/16 and the 205/45/17. Because the tire is wider, it makes up for the lower aspect ratio.

Make sense?

[silversharkXD2]

j/k

[plagued89]

I called Discount tires and they have Kumho brand for $84 but they are 205-40R17 instead of 45R17 which are $200. Altogether it's going to cost around $500, that sucks. I can skip the alignment, car drives pretty straight.

yeha thats a good deal, you shouldnt notic a real drive difference in the 45 versus the 40s

[BobMs_wht2k2]

Please go back to buying cars you can't afford. Stepping down in size spins the engine faster to go the same speed, affects the gas mileage in a negative manner and makes the car ride worse.

[plagued89]

215 is width in mm. 40 is the aspect ratio, or simply put the % of tread width giving your sidewall height. the 17 is obviously rim diameter.

Stock tire size is 195/60/15 Correct +2 upsize is the 205/45/17, while the 215/40 is really close in diameter, 205/40 is too small and looks like a rubber band on the car and 215/45 is taller than stock diameter.

When you increase wheel diameter, you have to decrease the aspect ratio to compensate. technically the correct plus size woudl be a 195/55/16, and a 195/50/17, but those sizes really don't exist and we make do wit hthe 205/50/16 and the 205/45/17. Because the tire is wider, it makes up for the lower aspect ratio.

Make sense?

good explanation, i have 40/205s, use to have 40/215s, i did enjoy the 215s better, but i cant really notice a daily driving difference between the two.

[BobMs_wht2k2]

PLEASE... the size is 205/40, 205/45, 215/40 etc.

IIRC, this is predominatelythe wife's car? If so, she will NOT like the smaller tires. Remember this: You get what you pay for and tires are the most important thing tying you to the road. Cheap out here and nothing else matters.

[TERRY1]

Up until now, I thought tires are tires as long as they fit. I called on the 215/40 and it's only $5 additional per tire. I will get these instead of the 205/40. I really appreciate the help.

[BobMs_wht2k2]

Also... with tires you need to make sure you are getting the correct speed rating and load rating for the car.. Anything at or over 88H is acceptible. Anythign less, especially in the heat of summer for you, and it's not adviseable.

Speed ratings have been misquoted for years as "how fast you can go" but Jim and I can both tell you that's not the whole story. Load rating is just that, the amount of weight the tire can handle at the limit. While you may never get to the pointof your max load, gettign a higher rated tire makes handling the every day chores easier on it and will increase the tire's life.

[UrbanerMezei]

Up until now, I thought tires are tires as long as they fit. I called on the 215/40 and it's only $5 additional per tire. I will get these instead of the 205/40. I really appreciate the help.

No there is actually a whole science behind them, listen to Bob, he's a dick, but knows his ****.

[BobMs_wht2k2]

Aww.... that is the sweetest thing anyone has said to me in a while!

[Vampyrate]

then you have been too nice to people then

[TERRY1]

I remember when I was getting tires for my son's honda accord and the guy wouldn't sell me the tires because doesn't have the right rating. I didn't bother to ask why, just went to another tire store and got the right tires.

[BobMs_wht2k2]

Most chain tire stores do not care. They will sell anything to make a buck. Most manufacturers do care and we try to do our best to inform the consumer so they can make an intelligent, informed decision. You have no idea how many times I've caught the teenagers at the local tire stores in a flat lie to the customer in an effort to sell some tires that they will make the most profit on.

[TERRY1]

I went to wall mart, I guess they're honest in that department.
Ok, one more thing that I forgot to ask that will make a difference in my decision. I have the 205/45 right now and it's riding little hard I guess because it's lowered. Which one has the softer ride, the 205/45 or the 215/40. I will choose the softer one's.
The store have KUHMO AST AND FALKEN, which is better?

[BobMs_wht2k2]

Meh... not much of a choice IMO. The 215 is wider, both have almost the same sidewall height. All will be stiff because of them being a 17" wheel/tire in this size. If you have a hatch, the 215 might rub in the rear, I have no idea what the wheel size/offset is.

205/45 will likely be the better/safer bet. You know those fit.

[Cypher]

I remember when I was getting tires for my son's honda accord and the guy wouldn't sell me the tires because doesn't have the right rating. I didn't bother to ask why, just went to another tire store and got the right tires.

Right, because he was obviously lying to you. He was probably referring to the speed rating since most honda's require H-rated tires. For shame on him! Wanting to perserve your son's safety like that, how dare he.

My store always sticks with what the manufacteur requires or higher because thats what they were DESIGNED with in mind.

[UrbanerMezei]

My store always sticks with what the manufacteur requires or higher because thats what they were DESIGNED with in mind.

Christ you mean someone smarter than me has sat down with other people smarter than me and designed my car!?

What else!? You mean they put all the information into easy to read labels so I can read it!?

I don't believe you! I just don't!!!! Don't tease me like this Cypher!

[TERRY1]

I'm going to have them replaced this weekend, and I will ask when the manufactured date also, thanks guys