Technically you should tell your insurance company as this may count as a modification.
I think this is ok provided these wider tyres don't rub on anything - Try it on full lock when the car is loaded up.
These wider tyres will give you more grip.
The circumference will be slightly bigger too so your speedometer will read lower speeds - this might actually make the speedo more accurate as they tend to over read by about 10%. Also you will in effect have fractionally higher gearing which may even improve fuel economy.
If you want to be ultra picky you could get the tracking checked as the car will be running fractionally higher than before. This might affect the wheel alignment slightly.
255-45-17 means this:
255 is the tyre width in mm
45 is the profile (sidewall height) of the tyre, in this case the 45 means the profile is 45% of
255mm
17 is the wheel diameter size in inches.
The other thing to check is the speed rating which is a letter like H, V or Z. It's fine to have a higher speed rating but you shouldn't have a lower speed rating than the manufacturer fits.
Don't mix sizes or speed ratings on the same axle.
Cheers
Posted Apr 6, 2011 (13 years ago)