Tire Width for 8.5 inch Wheels?

[UnknownNate]

I've seen others on the forums running anywhere from 235-255 tires on their 8.5-inch wheels, and I was wondering if there were any real pros or cons between these? Obviously, I'd assume the 255s would in theory have better grip since they are wider but I'm worried about any bulge or swelling that could create issues while driving.
Also, most others have said this setup should cause no rubbing (unless you slam into potholes), has anyone had any other experiences?

For anyone interested, I'm looking at the AVID1 AV6s (18x8.5 +35), and for tires Firestone Indy 500s (255/35R18 or 245/35R18)

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[hobby-man]

Are you on stock suspension or lowered/coilovers?

 

[gtman]

I'd just go 235/40 and call it a day.

 

[zspeed]

245 for 8.5 width.

Not because it’s wider means you have more grip. You have to check traction rating and compound of the tire.

 

[UnknownNate]

Are you on stock suspension or lowered/coilovers?

I was looking at buying Eibach springs soon, definitely before I get new wheels/tires.

 

[gtman]

That's the EXACT look I was suggesting. Don't be fooled by the wider is always better crowd. 235 on an 8.5" wheel is perfect. Less tire bulge will mean a stiffer sidewall which will enhance steering response.

https://www.fitmentindustries.com/w...honda-civic-avid1-av6-eibach-lowering-springs

 

[hobby-man]

Yeah nothing wrong with 235/40. 245/35 is another good option, especially if you are going low. Looks a bit meatier and gives you some extra clearance to the fender liners.

 

[UnknownNate]

That's the EXACT look I was suggesting. Don't be fooled by the wider is always better crowd. 235 on an 8.5" wheel is perfect. Less tire bulge will mean a stiffer sidewall which will enhance steering response.

https://www.fitmentindustries.com/w...honda-civic-avid1-av6-eibach-lowering-springs

That makes a lot of sense honestly. Also thinking about it's not like I'm pushing huge amounts of horsepower and I shouldn't really need whatever small amount of grip a 245/255 would give.

 

[TypeSiR]

The Type R is equipped with 245 tires on 8.5” wide wheels from the factory. Just go with factory spec to be on the safe side. Good luck. ?

 

[Syntek]

I'd go 245/35 as others have suggested for the clearance if you're going lower.

Stock si wheels are 18x8 and 235/40

Would seem silly not going slightly wider tread on a wider wheel.

 

[gtman]

235/40 would fit well. The reason manufacturers tend to go oversized on tires relative to wheel width has less to do with performance and more to do with rim curb protection. An 8.5" wheel is 215 mm wide. So a 235 is plenty wide for that size. But hey, just my take.

 

[TypeSiR]

Just doo it.

 

[zspeed]

235/40 would fit well. The reason manufacturers tend to go oversized on tires relative to wheel width has less to do with performance and more to do with rim curb protection. An 8.5" wheel is 215 mm wide. So a 235 is plenty wide for that size. But hey, just my take.

The 235 offers less rim curb protection than the 245 from my experience.

 

[gtman]

Of course, a wider tire offers more rim protection. I mentioned that.

Look, I get it. Honda puts 235 on 8". But tire manufacturers also recommend 235 as fitting 8.5" very well. For some reason, everyone has in their head that the wider, the better. There's a lot more to it than that. 245/35 is fine, but so is 235/40.

And if the OP does chose 245/35 the trade off for performance will be reduced ride quality, higher cost and potentially reduced mpgs compared to 235/40, even more when compared to his stock 215/50's.

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