I have Michelin Pilot HX MXM4 215/55/R16/93H/M+S tires. I need the same kind, but in 17 inch.
05-29-2002, 10:11 AM
#4
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Here's what I'm trying to figure out. Please help me out...
I want to change my wheels to the once that come with sport OEM package.
My car doesn't have a sport package and I don't want sport tires, because I go skiing and in San Francisco it rains for like 3 month straight.
So, I need 17 inch M+S rated tires compatible to the once I have now in 16 inch.
But another important question is if the gap between the tire and the car's body will increase if I go with 17-inch tires? I looked around and it seems like all 17-inch tires, even M+S rated come with 45 width, my current one is 55. Am I correct in saying that the gap will increase? Are there any 17-inch tires that would leave the gap the same as it's now? If not will the gap be noticeable?
Thanks!
My car doesn't have a sport package and I don't want sport tires, because I go skiing and in San Francisco it rains for like 3 month straight.
So, I need 17 inch M+S rated tires compatible to the once I have now in 16 inch.
But another important question is if the gap between the tire and the car's body will increase if I go with 17-inch tires? I looked around and it seems like all 17-inch tires, even M+S rated come with 45 width, my current one is 55. Am I correct in saying that the gap will increase? Are there any 17-inch tires that would leave the gap the same as it's now? If not will the gap be noticeable?
Thanks!
05-29-2002, 10:21 AM
#6
AudiWorld Expert
The gap will not increase (edit) ...
You're going to have to use a lower profile tire (like 45), to offset the increase in rim size (from 16" to 17"), so that the overall wheel (rim+tire) diameter remains unchanged.
You do understand that you are going to have to buy new rims (17 inch ones), not just new tires.
As far as high-performance (very good) all-season tires: Dunlop SP5000 or Michelin Pilot Sport A/S.
As far as the wheel gap goes: physically it will not increase; however, because of the optical illusion cause by having more rim and less tire, the gap will APPEAR larger. Again, it's just an optical illusion, but nevertheless, it may look goofy on a car without sport suspension.
You do understand that you are going to have to buy new rims (17 inch ones), not just new tires.
As far as high-performance (very good) all-season tires: Dunlop SP5000 or Michelin Pilot Sport A/S.
As far as the wheel gap goes: physically it will not increase; however, because of the optical illusion cause by having more rim and less tire, the gap will APPEAR larger. Again, it's just an optical illusion, but nevertheless, it may look goofy on a car without sport suspension.
05-29-2002, 10:43 AM
#7
AudiWorld Expert
additional tire suggestions (lower-end)...
Bridgestone RE950
Dunlop SP A2
By lower-end, I mean worse traction (less grip) and less responsive handling, but longer treadlife. These two are probably comparable to what you've got on your 16" now.
The other two I suggested (in my previous response) are much better performance-wise, but don't last as long.
Dunlop SP A2
By lower-end, I mean worse traction (less grip) and less responsive handling, but longer treadlife. These two are probably comparable to what you've got on your 16" now.
The other two I suggested (in my previous response) are much better performance-wise, but don't last as long.
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05-29-2002, 11:47 AM
#9
AudiWorld Expert
Looking at the treadwear ratings, not much I guess...
SP5000 has a 340 treadwear rating
Pilot Sport A/S - 400
RE950 - 400
A2 - not made in the size you need
So, even though comparing treadwear among different manufacturers cannot be safely relied on, I'd say that the differences will not be that great. Probably 5-10K miles or so less life from an SP5000 compared to others. A lot depends on how aggressively you drive, really.
Scratch that comment about treadwear life - I didn't realize how close the ratings were.
Pilot Sport A/S - 400
RE950 - 400
A2 - not made in the size you need
So, even though comparing treadwear among different manufacturers cannot be safely relied on, I'd say that the differences will not be that great. Probably 5-10K miles or so less life from an SP5000 compared to others. A lot depends on how aggressively you drive, really.
Scratch that comment about treadwear life - I didn't realize how close the ratings were.