Tire size question for 2010 Mazda 6 i Touring

[Ddub]

Size question that I need some validation / opinions on:

My wife's 2010 Mazda 6 has 215/55-17s on from the factory. No problem with performance or handling but I would like to put 235/50-17s on when it is time for new tires. Those two sizes have the same (within 0.1 inch) rolling diamater plus I get a slightly larger and wider contact patch. Knowing that the V-6 model comes with 235/45-18s there should not be any clearance issues, right?

One of the reasons for the size change also is that the present tire and wheel are almost exactly the same width making the rims very easily subject to curb rash.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: Ddub
Knowing that the V-6 model comes with 235/45-18s there should not be any clearance issues, right?

Hard to say for sure, not knowing whether the offset of these 18" rims is the same as your 17" rims, but most likely you should be OK.

 

[Ddub]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: Ddub
Knowing that the V-6 model comes with 235/45-18s there should not be any clearance issues, right?

Hard to say for sure, not knowing whether the offset of these 18" rims is the same as your 17" rims, but most likely you should be OK.


I did not consider the offset. Thanks for the reminder. I will check that out.

 

[HTSS_TR]

I agree with Pete, it is likely that you will have no problem with rubbing with larger tire. But the question is how wide is the current wheel ? If it is less than 7.0" then it will be hard to fit 235/50 tire, even if it fits it will not look right.

 

[willix]

Do your dimensional home work at the Tire Rack site,it will tell you a lot. Commpare with the 18" size. You don't want a fat tire on a narrow rim pinching the bead too much. The hieght could change the speedo readings. Different brands of the some size have differences.

 

[Hokiefyd]

Originally Posted By: Ddub
plus I get a slightly larger and wider contact patch


As I understand it, you will get a wider contact patch, but not necessarily a larger one. See here for more:

http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=102250&page=1