18" Tyre Sizes

[team_v]

I need some opinions on tyre sizes for the tig.
Upgrading from 16"x6.5" to 18"x8" wheels, i can run either 235/50R18's or 255/45/R18's.

The car will driven on surfaced roads 99% of the time and only taken on dirt roads if they come up when camping.

My concern is that the 255's may be too big as 8" is the minimum size rim for the tyre. There is also the added cost for the 255's.

The 235's are the standard tyre size for the 18" factory wheels.
Any opinions on what would be the better choice would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Clay

[Pullstarter]

I run 235/50-18 and they're great, plenty wide enough in my opinion and still comfortable to ride on

[Arctra]

This site should answer all your questions: http://www.carbibles.com/tire_bible_pg1.html and http://www.carbibles.com/tire_bible_pg2.html

I think Page 2 is what you want to be looking at.

Happy reading!

[team_v]

I run 235/50-18 and they're great, plenty wide enough in my opinion and still comfortable to ride on

Thanks for the info Pullstarter.

I am leaning more towards the 235's as they are the factory standard and they will be cheaper.

I put them both into 1010tyres calculator and the 255's are actually more similar in size and accuracy to the standard 16" tyre fitment than the 235's.
That and the added traction were pretty much the only reason i am considering the wider tyres.



Thanks for the link Actra.
It is a very interesting site.
I think i will just end up with the 235's as it will be a road car with a bit of spirited driving, not a track weapon.

[Pullstarter]

If you have a look inside the petrol cap the reccomended tyre size for 18" is 235/50-18, that's the size the optional factory 18"s come with anyway, I guess you can't go wrong with a factory reccomended size? As a rule of thumb within 1% of the standard factory diameter is fine.

[team_v]

Thanks for that Pullstarter.

I had a look in the brochure about what tyres they run on the optional 18" factory wheel and found the 235's there.

They are just within the 1% difference (0.91) where as the 255's are almost identical (0.12)

Looks like i will be going with 235 kumho's.

[Pullstarter]

I'm running the KU31 Ecsta Kumhos in that size and very happy with them. A little noisier than stock but barely noticable (after a couple of days you won't even notice). Good all round traction and pretty forgiving, excellent value for money IMO.

[team_v]

I am looking at the Kumho Ecsta 31's.

Just need to get a quote on price from tempetyres and some other local tyre places.

Thanks for your help guys, it has been invaluable.

[Pullstarter]

Are you getting wheels and tyres or tyres only? I got my RS4 Reps with KU31s for $1499 fitted from Tempe Uleh For tyres only you should be paying around $180-ish each.

[sama13]

I currently run a 255/45R18 BFG's KDW and I feel it perfect I like the added width as for the tuning that I'm planning is going to be helpful. I'm running a 9" wide wheel and it feels it up just perfect and I also got those because of the speedometer proximity to stock.