SVT_Cobra_96

Hey All, question i need i some help/advice on.
2012 mustang currently has 225/60/17 stock tires on it, i am ordering snow tires and rims from tire rack. The recommend size they have listed for the snow tires are 215/65/17, they also have a preferred package that has 235/55/17 as well
i have heard this can affect the speedometer and odometer. Is that true? Should i look specifically for the stock size or will the 215/65/17 or 235/55/17 be ok?
Let me know, i am trying to get the order placed tonight, got caught in the snow last night with the all seasons and it wasn't a whole lot of fun.
I'm looking at the blizzak ws70 and Michelin ice xi2 tires. If anyone has recommendation on either set, thats appreciated too... I have heard blizzaks are hands down the choice so far though.
THanks for the help/advice!!!

obxdude018

It wouldn't matter if you got 215 or 235 they won't effect the speedometer, the height is the most important, the difference between the 2 are the 65 and 55, those are percentage difference of the sidewall to the width of the tire. You won't really notice a difference when it comes to the speedometer, I would recommend the 235/55/17 for the extra rubber.

unitedwestang

obxdude018 is right, its the height of the tire that makes any difference in the speedo.
the 225/60/17 would be 27.63 in tall
the 215/65/17 would be 28 in tall
and the 235/55/17 would be 27.18 in tall
These differences in height wouldn't even cause a noticeable change in the speedo. If I had to guess I would say maybe 1-1.5 mph at the most?
As stated earlier, I would go with the 235/55/17 for more rubber on the road=larger surface area in contact

Dean Martin

I was always taught that skinnier is better in the snow. The idea is more vehicle weight on less surface area = more poulds per square inch of contact force. Used to mostly see pickups plowing snow with skinny snow tires.

Nuke

A thinner tire IS better in snow. Google a tire size calculator. Most of them will also list the change in speedometer reading from the stock tire size. 1-2 MPH isn't worth worrying about.

unitedwestang

my bad, forgot he was wanting them for snow. yes dean martin and nuke are 100% correct

157dB

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalcold.html

Skinnies rule in snow.
More pressure on the road with the smaller contact patch.
The Vdub had 185/80-15s and went everywhere with the
engine being on top of the drive tires.
Went to 215/60-15s and the snow driveability went out the window.
Could not steer in deep snow worth a carp.

The 275/40-18s on the stang dont promote winter driving either.
But thats what the 215/65-16 OEMs in the garage are good for.

maximusneo701

Actually the 17inch wheel should use have 235 stock right? Tire rack shows me the 215's on my mustang cause I have the 16x7 wheel. When you tell tire rack it pulls the stock wheel and if you have the 17 premium wheel is 8inches wide so 235 is the best fit for it.

157dB

215/65R16 STOCK
8.464" WIDE
27.003" TALL
84.835" ROUND
747 REVS / MILE

235/55ZR17 STOCK
9.251" WIDE
27.177" TALL
85.379" ROUND
742 REVS / MILE

235/50R18 STOCK
9.251" WIDE
27.251" TALL
85.641" ROUND
740 REVS / MILE

I have seen the Premium 17" rim with
235/55ZR17 as OEM STOCK on an 05 S197.
Rim diameter comparisons are like apples to oranges.
Yep, they are both round but the similarities stop there...