Well time is creeping up and I'm looking for some insight on the board.

I have a set of 17" x 7.5" rims with a 42+ offset that I am looking to put winter tires on.

I know the recommended winter sizes are as follows:

Original:
225/40/18 Front
255/40/18 Rear

Suggested:
225/45/17 Front
245/45/17 Rear

I have been looking at the following sizes though:

205/50/17 Front -.61% difference in diameter but 0.80 inches narrower (8.07 vs. 8.86)
225/50/17 Rear -.67% difference in diameter but 1.18 inches narrower (8.86 vs. 10.04)

All tires would maintain the V speed rating, this is appealing as the tires are less expensive in this size and it is narrower which I understand is ideal for winter driving.

Am I giving anything up other than some performance due to the narrower tire?

Any thoughts?

 

if you want to be able to rotate your winter wheels/ties, go with 225/45R17 all around with an asymetrical tread pattern. I know this will be fine in the front but a bit shorter on the rear but it's a good compromise for the added flexibility to rotating your tires.

 

Anyone forsee issues with reducing tire width by an inch in the front and back?

 

Well I may have answered my own question here in that the 50 series tires are not rated for a 7.5" rim, so much for that idea.

 

I am also looking for a set of Winter Tires + Rims and thought about the suggestion from this form, 225/45/17 all around. Anyone have this setup? any inputs?