Snow sizes I'm going to run
 

Going to buy my Blizzaks in sizes 225/40-18 front and 225/45-18 rear. Will fit the OE 18's, makes load capacity, diameters are correct, and will be a LOT more effective than having that fat 255 out back. Save some $$ too. Bring it on Old Man Winter!!!

dunno will 225 even fit on a 8.5" wide wheel, sidewalls would be stretched

225's will be fine on 8.5"s. 225's are good up to 9". You will have a slightly stretched look but you're definitely within spec.

^^^ yup will fit the wheels fine. only talking a 1/4" diff on each side in width that you'll never notice visually. besides, they are winter tires. im looking for function over fashion

I'm looking into these tires also, but the info on Bridgestone's website leads me to a different conclusion:

Size, Load, Speed, Approved Rim Widths (Measuring Rim Width)
225/40R18, XL, V, 7.5-9.0 (8.0)
225/45R18, XL, V, 7.0-8.5 (7.5)

If I'm reading this correctly, the 45 tire fits a narrower rim than the 40 tire. Even though the 45 just barely fits the rear 18" wheel, wouldn't we want to stay with 40s all the way around? I know that the 45 tire will give more sidewall height, but why does that mean a narrower wheel? What am I missing here?

I am going with the same tire and set up, except going with 45's all the way around for a bit more sidewall height on the front for better control in the snow.

From what I see on the Canadian Bridgestone sight, the 225/45/18's will fit a 7.5 to 8.5 rim.

Yes, either the 225/40 or the 225/45 will both the front and rear wheels, I just don't know enough about tires to decide which is the better choice - a taller sidewall might help in snow?

Any thoughts on why the approved rim width is narrower for the tire with the taller sidewall (225/45)? I thought a taller sidewall would allow more stretch to fit a wider wheel.

Don't know about the difference but decided on the 45's instead of the 40's for added height in the snow. The front of the car will rise 1/2" more...not much but any extra clearance should help as well if dealing with deep snow.

Are you guys getting an extra set of OEM or other rims with the Lexus TPSM's to keep for seasonal swapping?

If so, I'm wondering what Lexus is charging you to do the swap.

Thanks

I have the 350 and was going to get another set of rims (probably aftermarket) and put some winter tires on them. I probably am going to go with 17" with the same tire all around to save some money. I haven't decided yet.:uh:

I have a 250 with Stock 17" wheels that will be converted to my Snow only wheels/tires.

Can anyone confirm if the wheel size of the 17" are wider in the back? The tires are staggered, but not sure if there's an extra .5" on the back wheels.

Gonna get some Michilin Alpin Snow Tires and Tirerack still recommends to stagger them with 225/245. If the same wheel size, I will go 225 all around. 19" in the spring with summer wheels whoo hoo

According to the Lexus website, the stock 17" wheels are all 8.0 wide. No difference between front and back. Should have no problem with 225 all around.

Only the stock 18" wheels are wider in back, 8.5 vs. 8.0 in front.

Question: I'm new with the winter tire vs. summer tire talk. I have the staggered stock 18" on my car now, is it ok if I order the 17" wheel and rim package (same size tire all around) from tirerack and put them on? Thanks!

You will notice Tirerack recommends 245 in the back compared to 225 in the front for winter tires. This is what Lexus has stock on some IS250/IS350. The only car with same size all around is the IS250 AWD with 225's. If you will be driving in harsh winter condition where the roads are not plowed regularly then I suggest 225 all around. If your looking for more sporty driving in winter plowed city streets then 245 at back is recommended.

This is not an easy decision since I’m too still debating. Anyone out there has driven an IS350 with 225 in back? Is it too easy to lose control of the back due to power, then the VDIM kinking in all the time?