2024 Mustang Winter Tire fitment question

[wcd978]

Hy all, first winter in my 24 Mustang EB with the 20" rims. I see a set of 255/35/R20 rims on sale on FB.

Will these 235/55/20 fit properly without any issues? I'd like to keep everything as close to original as possible but the OEM 265/35/20 options are so much more expensive it's worth looking for a slight size difference.

Pics of my wheel and tires currently on the car attached. It's pretty new to me and advice is appreciated

 

[Sequoiasoon]

You have different things listed. Bold you have 255/35/R20 but then ask if 235/55/20 will fit in place of your 265/35/20

First those are tire sizes on 20 inch rims. Rims are measured differently. According to Wheel-Size.com your rims if 20" are 9Jx20 ET42.5 so 9" wide rims, 20" diameter with a 42.5mm offset/backspace. You also need to make sure your rims you plan to get have the same bolt pattern and at least very close offset.

According to the tire calculator the 255/35/20 tires would fit no issue. They are 1/4" smaller diameter and .4" narrower. That may result in slightly less handling grip at limit but may provide slightly better traction in snow due to weight in the contact point.

All of that said, when I do winter tires I try to get the smallest sized diameter rims, preferably factory that clear the calipers. In my world that means 16" or 17" instead of 18" or 20". It gives more sidewall to absorb impacts/potholes etc. That also depends on tire availability. You don't list where you live, if you want/need performance winter tires, regular winter tires, studded winter tires or if a 3PMSF will work for you vs the performance summer ones you have. Lots of factors. I prefer full winter if I'm switching anyway and I know I'm set best for winter though will need to adjust driving styles/performance expectations in dry and wet.

No - 235-55-20 would probably not fit as the tire itself is 3" larger diameter.

 

[wcd978]

You have different things listed. Bold you have 255/35/R20 but then ask if 235/55/20 will fit in place of your 265/35/20

First those are tire sizes on 20 inch rims. Rims are measured differently. According to Wheel-Size.com your rims if 20" are 9Jx20 ET42.5 so 9" wide rims, 20" diameter with a 42.5mm offset/backspace. You also need to make sure your rims you plan to get have the same bolt pattern and at least very close offset.

According to the tire calculator the 255/35/20 tires would fit no issue. They are 1/4" smaller diameter and .4" narrower. That may result in slightly less handling grip at limit but may provide slightly better traction in snow due to weight in the contact point.

All of that said, when I do winter tires I try to get the smallest sized diameter rims, preferably factory that clear the calipers. In my world that means 16" or 17" instead of 18" or 20". It gives more sidewall to absorb impacts/potholes etc. That also depends on tire availability. You don't list where you live, if you want/need performance winter tires, regular winter tires, studded winter tires or if a 3PMSF will work for you vs the performance summer ones you have. Lots of factors. I prefer full winter if I'm switching anyway and I know I'm set best for winter though will need to adjust driving styles/performance expectations in dry and wet.

No - 235-55-20 would probably not fit as the tire itself is 3" larger diameter.

View attachment 321413

Sorry, it was a typo. Yes, I am looking to put 255/35/R20 on the factory 20" rims. That'll work you said?

 

[GaryMX5]

A narrower tire is also preferred for snow use. They will offer more traction than a wider tire that tends to float on the snow rather than dig into it. I agree that a smaller diameter wheel that's a little narrower is the way to correct do this. Years ago when I was rallying I took a all day performance driving course at the Bridgestone Winter Driving school in Steamboat, CO. It was an eye opener as we got to drive similar cars with various size/width tires (Blizzaks).