Quick Question about tire sizes and changing them.

[Techie333]

Quick question guys, I am getting tires from vulcan tires, but my size is 225/50R16 92V. Now they have that for $80, then they have P255/50ZR16 99Y for $68. Isn't the second one better, so why is it cheaper?!?!?

Also, another, if the recommended aspect ratio is 50 (i.e. the 50 in 225/50R16), can I go with 40?

 

[MercenaryForHire]

The tires have to fit on your wheels, you know. 😛

- M4H

 

[Kelemvor]

Are they the same manufacturer? If so, I'm not sure. I think ZR is rated higher than R. Maybe they are on sale...

 

[Techie333]

LOL! Ok, so I can't get the 40 instead of 50? LOL...point made.....tire is same manufacturer they are Falken ZE-512 ZIEX

 

[MercenaryForHire]

You should be looking at the first number there, champ.

Can you even fit 255-wide tires on your current rims?

- M4H

 

[Techie333]

yea, that's what's recommended.

 

[labgeek]

Originally posted by: Techie333
LOL! Ok, so I can't get the 40 instead of 50? LOL...point made.....tire is same manufacturer they are Falken ZE-512 ZIEX

Huh. 40 is the aspect of height to width. 40's are shorter than 50's...

width / aspect xR diameter
width = tire width
aspect ratio = height to width as a %, 40 = 40% of the width
x = speed rating - may or may not be there but the tire will be rated somewhere...
R = Radial
diameter = rim diameter (ie 15" or 16")

a 255/40R15 and a 255/50R15 will fit the same rim. 40 will be a shorter tire (less sidewall)

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: Techie333
yea, that's what's recommended.

As long as they'll fit. 🙂

Assuming your speedo is calibrated for 225/50R16s, you'll be reading fast by 2mph @ 60 if you go with 255/40ZR14s (Speedo will say 60, you'll be doing 58.) You'll get better cornering due to a fatter contact patch, and won't lose that much in terms of ride quality.

As far as speed ratings, V is ~143mph, and Y(ZR) is ~186mph. 😛

Edit - Fixed speed ratings. 😛

- M4H

 

[Techie333]

Thanks for your help! Oh and also, you think gas mileage will get better or worse? LOL

 

[Demon-Xanth]

The 255's will be about 1" wider, and have a side wall about 0.5" taller. May or may not fit.

 

[spacejamz]

Assuming your speedo is calibrated for 225/50R16s, you'll be reading fast by 2mph @ 60 if you go with 255/40ZR14s (Speedo will say 60, you'll be doing 58.)

your odometer will also be off...the 'smaller' tire will cause your odometer to think it gone farther than you actually travelled since the smaller tire will have more RPM's than your original tire...

hope that makes sense...