Why do we go with 18" wheels instead of 20" for winter?

wdkwang · 11-09-2011, 03:01 AM

I was read tirerack.com's Winter Tech article (Winter Tech - Size Selection of Winter Tires / Snow Tires) and never gave it much thought, even after owning 18" winter wheels since last winter, why we get 18" instead of 20". With the 19" Rays, I can clear my driveway if I go slow enough, but now on the 18s I can't clear no matter what. I'm having small scraps on roads that I frequent a lot that I didn't before. My traction is obviously better for the winter/snow but I'll be plowing much easier with the lower clearance. Why wouldn't it be better to have 20s instead so there's even more clearance than the Rays.
Btw, I'm not lowered.

jaycz · 11-09-2011, 08:22 AM

You must put the correct size tires on your wheels. The 18" and 19" are pretty close to the same diameter with the correct size tires.

djpathfinder · 11-09-2011, 10:58 AM

1) You must keep overall diameter (O.D.) the same as OEM +/-0.6" no matter what size rims you get. O.D. of OEM 19" setup is 26.5-26.8" otherwise your speedometer will be out and your ride height/ground clearance will change.

2) For winter, you want a tire with either a slightly larger aspect ratio (ie. sidewall) or equivalent to your OEMs...therefore, 18" or 19" wheels, to allow for more tire and thus better winter grip. No need to go with 20" rims.

In terms of section width, go no wider than OEM (245/275). In fact it's OK to go with slightly narrower width tires, because they will handle icy roads better...think of maneuvering on ice with snow shoes vs. ice skates.

kenchan · 11-09-2011, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaycz

You must put the correct size tires on your wheels. The 18" and 19" are pretty close to the same diameter with the correct size tires.

+1 he saying you're doing it wrong.

Red__Zed · 11-09-2011, 12:11 PM

Agreed. Hell, even increase the od if you want.

TreeSemdyZee · 11-09-2011, 12:53 PM

I get fatter in the winter. That's why mine scrapes more.

wdkwang · 11-09-2011, 03:09 PM

the tires i have on aren't the correct sidewall size but i bought this set off the forum. i'm probably 1" lower with these rims on. i understand why it's better to have thinner tires but in terms of height clearance, that can change with running 20" wheels and higher profile tires.

djpathfinder · 11-09-2011, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wdkwang

the tires i have on aren't the correct sidewall size but i bought this set off the forum. i'm probably 1" lower with these rims on. i understand why it's better to have thinner tires but in terms of height clearance, that can change with running 20" wheels and higher profile tires.

oh dear...

Just buy the right tires for your 18" rims.

GaleForce · 11-09-2011, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djpathfinder

1) You must keep overall diameter (O.D.) the same as OEM +/-0.6" no matter what size rims you get. O.D. of OEM 19" setup is 26.5-26.8" otherwise your speedometer will be out and your ride height/ground clearance will change.

2) For winter, you want a tire with either a slightly larger aspect ratio (ie. sidewall) or equivalent to your OEMs...therefore, 18" or 19" wheels, to allow for more tire and thus better winter grip. No need to go with 20" rims.

In terms of section width, go no wider than OEM (245/275). In fact it's OK to go with slightly narrower width tires, because they will handle icy roads better...think of maneuvering on ice with snow shoes vs. ice skates.

Listen to this advice. exactly right.

kenchan · 11-09-2011, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wdkwang

the tires i have on aren't the correct sidewall size but i bought this set off the forum. i'm probably 1" lower with these rims on. i understand why it's better to have thinner tires but in terms of height clearance, that can change with running 20" wheels and higher profile tires.

you better check the load rating on those tires.

lemansz20 · 11-09-2011, 07:23 PM

Most go with 18's b/c of more tire options, and obviously its cheaper since alot of people are getting it for a second set. I dont envy places with snow, I am not a man who enjoys the cold weather lol.

wdkwang · 11-09-2011, 09:01 PM

i got the winter tires and rims as a set, and i don't feel like going through the headache of buying/selling/trading wheels right now. sucks the sidewall size isn't right but the load rating should be fine. we have 2 seaters, and i keep my trunk empty.

11-09-2011, 03:01 AM	#1 (permalink)
wdkwang Track Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: N/A Posts: 899 Drives: slidewayz Rep Power: 21	Why do we go with 18" wheels instead of 20" for winter? I was read tirerack.com's Winter Tech article (Winter Tech - Size Selection of Winter Tires / Snow Tires) and never gave it much thought, even after owning 18" winter wheels since last winter, why we get 18" instead of 20". With the 19" Rays, I can clear my driveway if I go slow enough, but now on the 18s I can't clear no matter what. I'm having small scraps on roads that I frequent a lot that I didn't before. My traction is obviously better for the winter/snow but I'll be plowing much easier with the lower clearance. Why wouldn't it be better to have 20s instead so there's even more clearance than the Rays. Btw, I'm not lowered. __________________ Powerhouse Amuse \| K&N Typhoon Intakes \| MotorDyne ART Pipes \| Borla Catback Exhaust \| B&M Short Shifter \| Intake Ducts \| Ichiba 25mm F/R Spacers \| Carbon Fiber Interior Vinyl Wrap \| Tints \| 10000k HIDs \| Vtak, yo!

11-09-2011, 10:58 AM	#3 (permalink)
djpathfinder A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Edmonton, Canada Posts: 12,910 Drives: 2012 GT-R BE Rep Power: 733	1) You must keep overall diameter (O.D.) the same as OEM +/-0.6" no matter what size rims you get. O.D. of OEM 19" setup is 26.5-26.8" otherwise your speedometer will be out and your ride height/ground clearance will change. 2) For winter, you want a tire with either a slightly larger aspect ratio (ie. sidewall) or equivalent to your OEMs...therefore, 18" or 19" wheels, to allow for more tire and thus better winter grip. No need to go with 20" rims. In terms of section width, go no wider than OEM (245/275). In fact it's OK to go with slightly narrower width tires, because they will handle icy roads better...think of maneuvering on ice with snow shoes vs. ice skates. __________________ 2012 GT-R Black Edition Jet Black 2010 370Z 40th Anniversary // SOLD

11-09-2011, 03:09 PM	#7 (permalink)
wdkwang Track Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: N/A Posts: 899 Drives: slidewayz Rep Power: 21	the tires i have on aren't the correct sidewall size but i bought this set off the forum. i'm probably 1" lower with these rims on. i understand why it's better to have thinner tires but in terms of height clearance, that can change with running 20" wheels and higher profile tires. __________________ Powerhouse Amuse \| K&N Typhoon Intakes \| MotorDyne ART Pipes \| Borla Catback Exhaust \| B&M Short Shifter \| Intake Ducts \| Ichiba 25mm F/R Spacers \| Carbon Fiber Interior Vinyl Wrap \| Tints \| 10000k HIDs \| Vtak, yo!

11-09-2011, 09:01 PM	#12 (permalink)
wdkwang Track Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: N/A Posts: 899 Drives: slidewayz Rep Power: 21	i got the winter tires and rims as a set, and i don't feel like going through the headache of buying/selling/trading wheels right now. sucks the sidewall size isn't right but the load rating should be fine. we have 2 seaters, and i keep my trunk empty. __________________ Powerhouse Amuse \| K&N Typhoon Intakes \| MotorDyne ART Pipes \| Borla Catback Exhaust \| B&M Short Shifter \| Intake Ducts \| Ichiba 25mm F/R Spacers \| Carbon Fiber Interior Vinyl Wrap \| Tints \| 10000k HIDs \| Vtak, yo!

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11-09-2011, 08:22 AM	#2 (permalink)
jaycz Base Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 189 Drives: 09 370z Tour Red 6MT Rep Power: 15	You must put the correct size tires on your wheels. The 18" and 19" are pretty close to the same diameter with the correct size tires.

11-09-2011, 12:11 PM	#5 (permalink)
Red__Zed A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: window seat Posts: 28,940 Drives: Mostly on two wheels Rep Power: 120	Agreed. Hell, even increase the od if you want.

11-09-2011, 12:53 PM	#6 (permalink)
TreeSemdyZee Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Kentuck-IANA Age: 60 Posts: 4,885 Drives: '09 370 & ‘14 Juke Rep Power: 27409	I get fatter in the winter. That's why mine scrapes more.

11-09-2011, 07:23 PM	#11 (permalink)
lemansz20 Banned Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: THe world Posts: 195 Drives: Nissan Maxima Rep Power: 0	Most go with 18's b/c of more tire options, and obviously its cheaper since alot of people are getting it for a second set. I dont envy places with snow, I am not a man who enjoys the cold weather lol.