criticalgt

Hello,

I'm looking to get some winter tires for the brutal Chicago winters. I'm looking to get the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2. I was thinking about running 245/40/18 all around. The size difference is 2.5% front and 2.8% rear. Although that is still within the 3% recommended difference, I don't know if I should feel comfortable being so close to the 3%.

I can get that same tire in 235/40/18 but they end up being more expensive.

This is how I came up with the two sizes.

225/40 will be too stretched on the back and won't give me enough sidewall. It will be pretty much as stock.

225/45 will be too tall. 3.5% to be exact.

235/40 gives me additional sidewall and will have minimum stretch on back. This size is expensive. Thread width is about 8.5".

245/40 is +2.5% front and 2.8% rear. This size gives me a lot more sidewall for winter. Work for front and rear and neither will be stretched. Thread width is about 8.7".

Will I be OK with the 245/40 or should I shed the extra money for the 235/40?

Thanks for the help!

AJ@TireRack.com

Assuming you have a RWD F sport, I am going to recommend factory sizing. 225/40/18 and 255/35/18 if you are keeping factory wheels.

If you are going to go the same size all of the way around, a 235/40/18 is the way to go. The Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 should be a strong consideration as well.

-AJ

criticalgt

Yes, the car is RWD. 18x8 front and 18x8.5 rear.

Would you recommend going staggered instead of square 235/40/18?

Wouldn't 255 be too wide? Also, I'm trying to gain a bit of side wall. Stock tires are pretty skinny...

Would 245 be considered too wide? I mean that wouldn't be too far off 225 and 255.

I live just outside of Chicago and we probably get about 15 days of snow on the roads a year. The streets are generally clean in the winter. If there is snow, there is most likely traffic so you are not going fast anyway.

AJ@TireRack.com

A square set up in 235/40/18 would be best. This will optimize sidewall and footprint.

It's my thought that we purchase winter wheels and tires for the worst conditions. Set the car up for the worst days, don't hope for the best. Considering the Hak R2, I expect you have this same mindset.

If you are more worried about the other days, the Hak R2 or even the WS80 are far more of a winter tire than you need. I would redirect you to a more performance winter tire like a Blizzak LM-32 or Michelin Pilot Alpin. These tires are more designed for cold weather and those winter days when it is not snowing, creating lots of ice.

I'm not trying to make this out to be harder than it needs to be, but it is critical to understand what you need and something I take very seriously.

Regardless, a 235/40/18 square set up would be best.

criticalgt

Just picked up a set of the Hakkas R2 in 235/40/18 for an awesome price....

Thanks