Tire guys gave me smaller winter tires — is this ok?
Posted by Writerly13@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 33 comments
We have a RAV4 Prime with regular tire size of 225/60/R18. We had winters put on yesterday but only realized today when we took a bit of a longer drive that the shop put 225/65/R17 Blizzaks on the car. That’s a +9.4% difference on the sidewall, which seems like quite a bit.
We’ve never come across this before… is that safe to drive? Thank you
Call_Me_Sampson@reddit
How did they safely mount a 17-in tire on 18-in wheel? I am genuinely curious
Bennysailor22@reddit
Ya can’t put 17inch tires on a 18inch wheel check again
H0SS_AGAINST@reddit
For snow tires you want skinny and tall. On my cars I went with the skinniest tread width that would fit the rims I got (inside the manufacturer's spec, no stretch) with the highest aspect ratio that wouldn't rub. A big thankyou to the "fitment and stance" community, I may hate your stupid stretches tires but your numbers helped me tell the tire rack vehicle specific filter to fuck off.
On my Spark I was able to gain a whole inch of ground clearance. TCS off that thing goes ham in the snow.
imothers@reddit
They are actually only 0.3% smaller - effectively the same size. Based on https://tiresize.com/comparison/
Ayyy-yo@reddit
They hooked you up broski. Saved you money buy downsizing to a smaller rim not to mention downsizing for winter is better for snow.
The lower trim RAV4s run that size you’ll be fine
PrimaryThis9900@reddit
The sidewall is larger, but the rim is smaller. If anything it is better for a winter tire because it gives you more cushion if you were to curb the wheel. The only thing that matters is the outside diameter of the wheel, which in this case is a difference of 0.3%. Your speedometer will read ever so slightly faster than actual (i.e. 90 MPH vs 89.7 MPH).
Writerly13@reddit (OP)
This is perfect thank you
ChevyGang@reddit
You went from an 18“ wheel to a 17" wheel. To compensate for the smaller wheels, the tires aspect ratio has to increase so that the height of the tire is roughly the same as before.
monorail_pilot@reddit
It doesn't have to increase, but it's a lot cheaper than switching speedometer gearing out every six months :P
jrileyy229@reddit
How many times have you switched speedometer gearing out?
monorail_pilot@reddit
Once on a TH350.
Galopigos@reddit
Go here and select compare, it will show you that your tires are so close to the same size that it isn't going to matter.
TheRealJYellen@reddit
Tire sizes are weird. 225mm across, 60% sidewall to tread ratio, and that makes for an 18 inch hole for the rim. The new size added sidewall, but likely didn't change the outside diameter since the rim it's on is smaller.
chumlySparkFire@reddit
Not ok
profaniKel@reddit
WTF R17 or ?
profaniKel@reddit
some replies here prove dont ask reddit about serious shit
SignificantEarth814@reddit
Sorry, why did the wheel/rim itself change diameter? That's like, a part of your car bro. You should look after it, make sure its balanced without irregularities, have 3rd party TPMS sensors installed, and know what condition/age the valve stems are. Honestly of all the things car-guys don't do enough of, its at-home tire work. All of us should own a tire removal station, compressor, initial bead-seal inflator, valve stem removal tool, and assortment of plastic/metal wedges.
justinh2@reddit
All of us should have a tire removal station... LMAO, no.
SignificantEarth814@reddit
Its basically impossible to remove a tire witho- oh!
You think I mean an electric one don't you? hahah, no no!
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/B14O1Ic4unw
SignificantEarth814@reddit
For what its worth I don't have the tire removal station, the initial inflator, nor do I ever have the right plastic wedge. But I do have a number beautifully powdercoated steelies and everyone should :3
justinh2@reddit
Did you swap rims also? If not, as you don't mention it, this didn't happen.
keivmoc@reddit
The outer diameter is only 0.3% smaller. What are you concerned about?
Writerly13@reddit (OP)
We were just wondering if there are differences other than the diameter to look out for — if the main thing is just to keep the diameter similar then that puts our minds at ease. Thanks
gravelpi@reddit
The only thing to watch out for is to make sure the smaller wheel fits over the brakes. That's not usually an issue other than some performance cars. If it fits, you're good.
keivmoc@reddit
Your speedometer is calibrated to your OE tire size, so the outer diameter is really the only concern, so long as the wheel barrel clears the brakes and the tire isn't rubbing on the wheel well or suspension at full lock. Your winter tire is basically the same exact size so you don't have anything to worry about.
It's common to run a smaller wheel and a taller tire during the winter to help protect against potholes and soften the ride a bit during the cold months.
brave1991@reddit
I'm confused, are you saying they fit R17 tyres on an R18 wheel?
OntFF@reddit
Guessing it was a tire & rim package... and as was pointed out, smaller rim/taller sidewall is normal for winters. I generally like to go a little narrower as well.
brave1991@reddit
Ah, fine. I couldn't wrap my head around it, but that makes sense.
bigchilla777@reddit
the real question is what happened to their 18 inch wheels? why does it have 17s now?
Signal-Confusion-976@reddit
Do they change your rims also? Did you ask for new rims too? Or did you just purchase tires? Something isn't right here.
Trypt2k@reddit
That's a great tire/rim size for winter tires, he did you a favor. Overall the two tires are the same height, you're golden here. This is standard procedure.
On my Jeep, I have 265/50r20 for summer and 265/60r18 for winter, the sidewall is WAY bigger on the 18s, but overall the tire is the same size.
averagemaleuser86@reddit
You went down an inch in rim size. They prob put the closest they had to match up to your other tires on your 18" wheels. It's fine.
Designer-Progress311@reddit
Bring the shop some thank you donuts and reflect on the fact that you didn't know what you didn't know when you approved a $500? estimate.