Is there such thing as an optimal rim to tire width?

Question

My current rims are 6.5" width with a 205 width tire. New rims are 7.5" width with a 225 width. Is this general for all rim to tire setups? 10 tire width increase every .5" of rim width. Thanks.

Answer 1

Ray did you go bigger like 17" or 18" for your new wheels? MM and Inches 19mm = 3/4 inch 13mm= 1/2 inch and 24mm=1 inch approximately. Tire contact to the ground and high quality tires make cornering effortless. Even stock size tires can corner well. People make the mistake I will pay lot's for cool wheels and buy Kuhmo or Sumitomo tires... Not those expensive " Michellin Pilot's or Bridgstone RE-010R's" I use tirerack.com And Luke at extension 369

Answer 2

Yes and No Tires are supposed to be accurately sized, A 225 70 15 tire is supposed to be the same size as any other with the same sized 225 70 15, but they are not. There can be as much as 1 inch or more difference in tread width and overall diameter mounted on the same wheel. Look up the tire specs at Tire Rack. Generally you attempt to have the tire with full tread width touching the ground at recommended rim size and tire pressure, but it is not as easy as that in practice. So I guess there is an optimum rim size for tire width, but the tires make it difficult to determine it.

Answer 3

tires are measured in mm on the width. so it would actually work on a ratio of sorts. but yes there is a such thing, you sound like a road racer so i'll put it to you like this 100mph around a 30mph curve with a 15deg bank. too narrow a tire and you'll break the bead, too wide and you'll loose traction and end up in a corn field. just cause a tire is wider doesn't mean a larger contact patch

Answer 4

I am not sure where you live but you need to check local laws as in some states you are not able to change your tire or rim size more than a certain amount. Pa is for one usually pretty particular on this subject when it comes to state inspection.