I bought MY03 on 06 March 2010. It came with Nexen: (Front)-205/55-16; (Rear)-225/50-16...



I want to Upgrade my tire size because I am tired of sliding around corners in the rain when I hardly give any throttle. I borrowed some AP2 V1 wheels and it felt like I was on RAILS!! I don't have the money in my budget right now to upgrade my rims right now, but am going to do the tires ASAP. I read that the correct tire size would be (Front)-225/50-16; (Rear)-245/45-16, but I was wondering why I couldnt run (Front)-225/55/16; (Rear)-245/50-16???


Thanks in advance!!

 

The diameter is too large. Stick with the stock sizes you have now and get Dunlop Star Specs, it will make a world of difference. A 245/45 would be OK in the rear, but there aren't any good options available in that size.

 

I also think you should stick to OEM sizes. For tires, go with Bridgestone RE-11's if you want outstanding rain performance & dry grip. You could also consider Dunlop Direzza Star Specs, & Yokohama Advan AD08's.

 

Nexen *what*?

I'm not terribly familiar with the brand, but I'm sure they have multiple different models that perform very differently!

I don't think that "upgraded" (bigger?) tire sizes will give you more grip in the rain, and will certainly increase potential for hydroplaning.

Tire size isn't as important as getting the RIGHT tire, the best tire for your wants/needs/usage.

The stickie that insists on 245/45-16 rear tires is obsolete. That size is all but unavailable, and the necessity of that size was tremendously overstated anyway.
FORGET the stickie regarding "correct" rear tire size.

Your far and away *best* tire options are going to be in 205/55-16 front, 225/50-16 rear.

The sizes your considering are too tall (already mentioned), and the options are very limited (best tires not available).

MUCH MORE IMPORTANT to get the best tires for your wants/needs/usage than to try to go bigger. So what are your wants/needs/usage?

 

Wants: stop sliding around in the rain...
Needs: superior traction(s) dry/ wet
Usage: Daily Aggressive Driving

 

As long as you won't be driving on them in snow/ice/cold, I'd recommend:

Dunlop Sport Z1 StarSpec
Bridgestone RE11
Yokohama AD08
Bridgestone RE050A Pole Position
Continental ExtremeContact DW

Probably some other good ones as well. Clickie on the Tire Rack banner above. Tons of info on a lot of tires available at the Tire Rack site. Definitely check out wet/dry test results and wet/dry grip rankings in the customer survey results for whatever tire you're considering.

 

thanks