Nate2085

Hey! I've never really looked into buying new rims till my tC came along. I've never had to deal with all these numbers on tires and I'm confused as to what they are...so, your help is very much appreciated

From nlmotoring.com (makers of scionstuff.com)

I am looking into some Tenzo-r Passion 5 18" rims.

The tires they offer are
215/35-18
225/35-18
225/40-18
235/40-18

What does the 215, 225, and 235 mean?
what does the 35 and 40 mean?
and what does the -18 mean?


Would I be better off sticking with 17" rims and just taking the stock tires off the stock rims?

grnxb

good info on www.tirerack.com or www.tires.com. I think the first number is width (225 would be wider than a 205), second number is aspect ratio (like a percentage of how tall it is compared to width).

Seravieve

215, 225, 235 is the width of the tire. For example, if you were looking at the back of your car, 215 would be narrower than the 225 and 235. It also changes how much tire is touching the ground.. thus affecting the surface area.. and grip. Wider tires = more grip, and less chance of squealling them.

The 35 and 40 is the profile of the tire. Its the Space from the Rim to the pavement. 35 is thinner, less space between rim and the pavement. Thinner tires = be more careful with potholes, etc. Can bend/dent rims easier with 35s than with 40s.

18 is the size of the rims. 18 inch rims.. equals the 18 in that sequence.

Hope that makes sense. (I personally would get 18s.. Fills the wheel well more.. which looks a lot better, imo. And then you can use youre stock tires/wheels for the winter or whatever..)

**Sorry about the multiple postings.. Internet connection crapped out on me..

Boom12V

I am in the same position you are. I just got some 18s.
http://axiswheels.com/wheels/decade/decade.html
I now have to buy tires I am looking at Toyo and Nitto.
225/45/18
225/40/18

I didn't want to go with the 225/35/18 because they are to low profile for the roads I drive. That low profile a tire would ride really rough. I can see me in New Mexico some where and shred a tire.

exklusiv12

how do you like those wheels. im planning on picking up a set for my xB did you do the maxis lip in the back? if you got pics id love to see.

Nate2085

yeah Seravieve that was very helpful. i appreciate the response!

Boom12V

Oh yea I had to do the Maxis Lip. I was so excited to get them I got the first set in AZ. They just hit the land with this wheel two weeks ago. I will send you pics a soon as I can.

komik

How wide are the rims you're looking at? If they are 7.5" I would suggest the 235/40/18's. If they are 7" then the 225/40/18's. If you get tires that are too wide for your wheel the tires would have a "lip" and you don't want that.

You also have to check the load rating of the tires. Keep in mind that the tC is heavier than other vehicles in it's class. I don't think that 215/35/18's would be sufficient to support the car and may run the risk of a blowout. Make sure to discuss this with whoever you plan to buy the tires from before ordering and make sure they know all the specs of the car for your safety.

Also, what brand of tire are you looking at?
______________________________________________________________________
:edited to add:
You're right about the 225/35's. They would ride rough and are not rated for the weight of the vehicle, AFAIK. The 225/45 are a bit overkill, IMO. That's more sidewall than the stock tires. Although I guess it depends if you are going for looks or comfort.

I would (I mean, I did) go with 225/40/18's. My street tires are 225/40/18 Kumho Ecsta ASX's on 7.5" wide ADR rims. My race tires are 225/45/17 Falken Azenis on 7" wide stock wheels.

Nate2085

The one's i like the most are Tenzo-R Passion 5. At WheelsNext.com there is a wheel and tire package that comes with 225/40/18 for $1199

Has anyone seen a flint mica tC with gun metal rims?

exklusiv12

thats sick, ya i was looking at the axis spyders but they discontinued them and the guy at axis said that the decades replaced them and as soon as i saw the maxis lip i was sold. but ya when you get the pics id love to see em.

komik

The tires that come with that package are Nankang NS-2's. I don't know much about Nankang other than they are cheap and made in China.
If you subtract the individual cost of the wheels from the package price (assuming no discount for buying it all together) you get the following:

$1,199.00 - 4 Wheels & 4 tires
$ -880.00 - 4 Wheels
$ 319.00 - 4 Tires

Nankang NS-2's 225/40/18's are available here (link) for $79.00 each which comes to $316.00 for a set of four.
Considering all that, I would suggest you buy the wheels you want, and buy tires separately. For another $10 - $20 per tire, you can get a better quality tire that will last longer. Tires are the most important part of your car and the last thing you want to skimp on.

Nate2085

i couldn't agree more. Thanks for your advice

Boom12V

Hey I have had Nankang before there are not bad tires. At that time I had Kumho and Falken but the Nankang hooked up better.

komik

Really? I wasn't trying to dis them, I just wasn't going to recommend them since I've had no experience and little knowledge of them. I've only talked to a few people who had them. They didn't have much to say about them. I just always assumed they weren't that great since they are the cheapest tires at most places.

Boom12V

I didn't mean to say you were "dis-ing" the Nankang. I had witten this before I saw you post. As for the cost of the tire. They are low I really didn't think I would like them but they were free so I thought I'd try them. It turns out they hooked up better than the Kumho and Falken. Anywayit's all good..

Nate2085

I just came up with this question...

If i bought an 18"x7.5 rim, would a 225/40 and a 235/40 tire fit the exact same rim? I'm thinking yes, but i dunno for sure till i ask and get confirmation. Thanks again for everyone's replies!

RogerTTR

FYI, no both tires will not work on a 18X7.5" wheel. The 225/40R18's will work as they have a rim width range of 7.50 to 9.00, however, the 235?40R18's won't as they have a rim width range of 8.00 to 9.50 inches. If you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call.

Boom12V

Hey there Roger,

I was concerned about the fit also. How about a 225/45/18 or a 225/40/18 on an 8" wheel for a tC.