tire sizes

[vally1978]

Please be gentle with me as this is my first post, and I have searched the forums to try and understand what to do prior to writing this post. I know it can be annoying to see so many similar posts on the same topic.

Anyway, I have a 2011 CX-7 with 61,000. The tires have surprisingly given me no issues whatsoever, however they need to be replaced by December as the threat of snow will begin. I must be extremely lucky after reading all the stories of them being so crappy.

I have never changed tire size on any previous cars, but will be with this vehicle. I don't want to have the option of only buying one type of tire and that being the stock tire.

I have read so many examples of tire sizes I could potentially get, but I really don't understand it. If I change the tire size can I go with pretty much any time in that particular size or are there are things I should look for such as the speed rating, etc.

What are the most idea sizes I should be looking for? I noticed many people here are getting the 255/55/18 but what about 235/65R17 verses 225/65R17 ?

I am worried I am going to choose the wrong tire or there will be issues once I change them out to a different size. Can anyone recommend specific tires in the $100-$125 range.

Thanks!!!

[kolosok17]

The last number in the tire size is the rim diameter. You can't really go for 17" tires if your current wheel size is 18", unless you also get new wheels. The other two numbers, width and aspect ratio, can sometimes be changed from stock without swapping rims/lifting your car.

Check this out for more info: How to Read Tire Sizes | Goodyear Auto Service Center

[vally1978]

I should add the current size of my tires is 215/70R17.
I am not looking to modify any other systems. Just looking to have more options for tire replacement. Don't want to risk having a crappy set of stock tires since they get bad reviews.

Thanks again!

[kolosok17]

Originally Posted by vally1978 I should add the current size of my tires is 215/70R17. I am not looking to modify any other systems. Just looking to have more options for tire replacement. Don't want to risk having a crappy set of stock tires since they get bad reviews. Thanks again!

Ok, so try to find out what tire widths your current wheels can tolerate. I would assume that you definitely won't be able to go to 255 width tires, as you mentioned was suggested. Visit tirerack and other tire websites and check reviews for tires for your specific vehicle, if they have any, or at least comparable vehicles. I am not sure which tires are best for a CX7.

[scotty64]

I went with 225/65R17 Continental TrueContact all-season tires which are top-rated on Consumer Reports and TireRack. The stock size severly limits your choice of tires (in fact I could only find the OEM tires in the original size.)

The difference in size amounts to only 1.2% smaller in the case of circumference such that when your speedometer reads 60 km/h you are actually travelling 59.3 km/h. A difference of 3% or less from OEM when changing tire size is considered acceptable.

[Gawel30]

I would get atleast the same speed rating as it came with. If not higher for safety sake. The speed rating has a lot to do with sidewall construction so getting the same speed rating should get you relativley the same ride.

[JTD]

Has anybody tried 16" 235 70 16? Will a 16" clear calipers?