Hulk311

Hi fellas, this post has to do with my wife's new car. I have a LS 430 and just bought the wife a Verano and she is complaining of too much tire noise and the ride being too stiff.

I know this is a Lexus forum but the buick forums are basically dead so I thought you guys could help me out a bit.

I'm thinking of downsizing my rims from the stock 18" to 16" and not just for the winter, but year around due to the fact that I live in Michigan and the roads here suck. I am hoping that a 16" rim will give me a more comfortable and quiet ride over the 18" rim. I figured having two more inches of air will cushion the ride and be more comfortable.

I understand the winter tire that is recommended is 215/60/16. However I have also read that a 225/55/16 will also work. For reference the stock tire size is 235/45/18. So between the 215/60/16 and the 225/55/16, which one will be more comfortable and quiet? A tire that is a little bit wider or a tire that is a bit taller?

I apologize if this question should not be posted on this forum but I tried searching all over the internet and there is not much information on down sizing, it's all about up sizing, staggered wheels, etc.


EDIT: The tires I am looking to buy are the Michellin Primacy MXV4. They have 3 versions of that tire, which one should I go with and what is the difference between them besides $100?

94T 500AA
95V 620AA
95T 820AB

mitsuguy

iTrader: (2)

In winter, the 215 is the better option because in general, a thinner tire works a little better in ice/snow...

For the rest of the year, the 225 will handle better, ride comfort between the 215 and 225 should be negligible, if any...

Your factory load index is 94 and speed rating is H... Now, Speed ratings can affect the ride a touch, but in general, it isn't a good idea to go down, as braking and handling may be compromised... It really is a fine line between safe handling characteristics and comfort...

Now, that being said, the T rated tires are a step down, but for most will be sufficient, as it is only one step down from factory... All 3 tires have a proper load index, so no worries there... If it were mine, I'd consider a 225/60-16, which is typically .3" larger in diameter, while maintaining the wider footprint... Along with that, it is a super common tire size, a 235/55-16 would be an option, though sizes are limited - it is exact same diameter and width as stock...

Hulk311

Will 215/65/16 or 225/65/16 tires fit or will they rub? How much taller is a 215/65/16 over a 215/60/16 tire? Do you think between these two tires there will be much of a ride difference?

mitsuguy

iTrader: (2)

I wouldn't do the 65's... If they fit, clearance would be tight... Also handling will be even more compromised...