Question:

Tires, Changing from 215s to 225s on same rims

by Guest9326 | earlier

Sir, I have a 2004 infinity G35 sedan with Goodyear RSA 215/55VR17 tires. They need replacement at 31,000 miles. They have performed poorly in wet weather. I live in Chattanooga which gets 52 rains per year. Problem is what to replace them with. Infiniti says keep the RSAs. I prefer better tires. Can I safely upgrade size to 225s on the same rims? Many more choices in that size, any particular tire you would recommend I have read that Bridgestone RE950s, Michelin Pilot XGT H4s and Dunlop SP Sport A2s all perform better in the wet. I am a marketing guy lost in the weeds. I am really looking for some expert help here. Can someone provide me that? I would be really great full for the favor.

Tags: 215s, 225S, Changing, rims, tires

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Automobile Guru

Hey there, if your problem is wet traction then there are 2 kinds of wet traction. Hydroplaning (a problem at freeway speeds) and wet grip (slow speeds) and there are different fixes for these problems.

Hydroplaning should be addressed by skid depth (meaning new tires are better than worn tires), inflation pressure (more is better), and the width (less is better). So if hydroplaning is the problem, you're going the wrong direction in tire size.

However, if the wet grip is the problem, then high inflation pressure helps, as does a change in rubber compound. Typically original equipment tires are compounded with rolling resistance in mind and one of the areas that get sacrificed is wet grip. (Wear is the other area).

So simply changing to non-OE tires should help. But you will lose some fuel economy in doing so.

BTW, the reason they recommended the RSA's is that they can't get themselves in legal trouble if they recommend what's already there.

As far as recommendations, since I work for a major manufacturer you would not be able to tell if I was promoting my company's products or not, so I don't do that.

Try looking at Tire Rack, but better yet, ask around about what works in your area. Wet grip is highly dependent on the road surface and different rubber compounds will react to the road surface differently and there will be some reversals.

Hope this helps.

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