Ruegy

I don't suppose there is a way to figure out the width/offset?

Norm Peterson

Take the wheel off the car and lay it flat, back side up. Place a straightedge across is and measure the tire width. Call this "Dimension T". Do not include the thickness of your straightedge in this or any of the other measurements that you'll be making.

Measure the amount that the tire bulges out from the wheel at the wheel flange. Call this "Dimension B".

Wheel width "W" will be T minus two times B minus about one more inch. The inch is the combined thickness of the two flanges, which you cannot measure directly with the tire mounted on the wheel (obviously, if the tire was not mounted on the wheel you wouldn't be going through any of this)


Measure between your straightedge and the wheel center surface where it fits up against the rotor. Call this "Dimension D".

Backspacing "B" will be D minus (one) B.

I had a little .jpg sketch but I can't seem to find it.

I have a suspicion that your wheels may have an offset better suited to the 1990's - 2004 models, about 20 - 25 mm less positive than most OE S197 wheels.


Norm

Ruegy

Well...I'm a littled f-ed. I couldn't get the wheel off of the car (lug nuts were on too tight >_<) I did my best to measure wheel size while it was on the car and I came up with 18"x10".

I definitely going to get some new tires but I'm not really sure what I should get. I heard that Sumitomo HTRZ II and Nitto NT555 are some good ones. But incase my local shop doesn't carry those, can anyone offer any opinions on width/brand/ect?

I'm looking for something that will offer good wet weather traction while not sacrificing too much on dry weather traction. No snow were I live so that is not an issue (its rare that if even gets below 30 in the winter :P) I'm a complete "newb" when it comes to this sort of thing so bare with me if I say anything silly.

Andrew

Argonaut

I picked up a set of these Continental Extreme Contact DWs specifically for their rain prowess at a reasonable price. Read the tire rack tests. I can't comment on them yet, they are sitting in my basement. I've had the Sumitomos and didn't care for them. No need to order thru your local guy, you can order direct from TireRack. Then call around and see who will mount them cheapest - should be about $20 per tire.