225/45 or 245/40/18? Debating tire size to get

[Liquid Smoke]

So I'm about to get some new 18x8.5 wheels and will be using those as my non-summer wheels, 19s are taking a beating on these NY roads, I'm about to to swap out to 18s until like May or something.

So anyway I'm looking at tires and wondering which size to get - 225/45/18 or 245/40/18?

I know the 245/40 is the OEM size, but the diameter/sidewall height for both is about equal. This will be an 8.5" wheel so I know the 225 will have a minor stretch on it (not really stretched but at least relatively compared to the 245). I'm ok with the look of the slight stretch itself, as I'll probably use spacers too so the narrower tire may fit better within the fenders and have less chance of rub.

Also I know the 225 will have better traction in snow than the 245. Not worried about the wheel lip protruding more and being more prone to curb rash, but I am concerned about comfort and wheel protection from potholes though.

FYI I'm looking at the Bridgestone Driveguard tires, I know different types of tires will have some size variation, but in this comparison just consider the same exact tire in both sizes.

So with 225/45 tires, since it's narrower and the lip of the wheel is exposed slightly more, does this mean that it could be more prone to bends/cracks from potholes? Will it offer less protection in this sense than 245/40 would? Even though the overall sidewall height is still the same? And would it be any more or less comfortable between the two sizes? Will the 225/45 have a softer sidewall than the 245/40? Does this mean more comfort but less wheel protection? Or is the difference neglible?

I don't want to get the 225/45 if it means my wheels would be more prone to bends. But if it's not really going to make a difference there then I'm leaning towards the 225, mainly because of the price difference, and also because I'm lowered and want to use spacers all around but less risk of rubbing (mainly up front while turning). As long as I'm not compromising wheel bend security and comfortability.

[Liquid Smoke]

friendly bump before this gets lost lol. found 2 local classifieds, same exact tire. Bridgestone Driveguards, one is 225/45 with like almost new tread, the other is 245/40 with 7/32 tread. price is fair on each so it's almost all equal just the size im unsure about, would 245/40 provide more comfort and wheel bend protection than 225/45? on an 8.5" wide wheel. it's also et35 and im probably going to run 17.5mm spacers on it all around.

[BrianC302]

Also I know the 225 will have better traction in snow than the 245. Not worried about the wheel lip protruding more and being more prone to curb rash, but I am concerned about comfort and wheel protection from potholes though.

Or do they? It probably doesn't make enough of a difference to matter... it would depend on the type of snow driving you are doing.

https://www.continental-tires.com/ca...ogy/wide-tires

My vote is for the 245's.

[Liquid Smoke]

Or do they? It probably doesn't make enough of a difference to matter... it would depend on the type of snow driving you are doing.

https://www.continental-tires.com/ca...ogy/wide-tires

My vote is for the 245's.

that's just what i've read so was just mentioning that, they say 225 has smaller contact patch with the ground so less room for slipping. but yea i always did think wider would be a bit better, maybe for non-winter tires or something. who knows but i dont really care of the snow part, im not driving in deep snow or anything anyway just normal winter riding, and if any difference yeah im sure it's minor and not like i'd notice it.

im mainly concerned really with just the wheel protection (bends, not curb rash). The overall sidewall height and total diameter is about the same, but will that slight stretch on 225vs245 on an 8.5 cause a difference when I hit a pothole?

[rcprato]

Narrower tire better in deep snow but if specs for both tires is virtually same for overall diameter can’t see why one would be better than other for potholes.
I run narrower here in Rochester,NY because of deep snow like today with 12” + we got today

[m332is]

same with me... I ran 255 35 19 in the summer and 225 45 18 Hakkas in the winter and I am also in Rochester.

[Spawne32]

245/40/18 is the correct size

[A4B8 2.0tfsi]

225/45-18 on 8' for my winter tires. Wouldn't fit 225 on 8.5' rims.

[Liquid Smoke]

but if specs for both tires is virtually same for overall diameter can’t see why one would be better than other for potholes.

well a 245 vs 255 might not be a big diff, but i mean a 245 vs 225 on an 8.5" wheel. diameter is the same and it would prob be the same over bumps and stuff that hits the middle of the wheels, but the way i was thinking about it, once it's a bit more stretched i feel like at least around the rim of the wheel it's not as protected if i were to hit a pothole sharply on the edge or whatever. so overall protection the same but the way it looks to me the wheel rim is just more exposed and less protection on the edges of the barrel/lip at least.

225/45-18 on 8' for my winter tires. Wouldn't fit 225 on 8.5' rims.

well they would fit and wont be overly stretched, 225 is meant for 8.5 wide at most so its not like overly stretched in that sense.


i think ive decided to just go with the 245/40, i'll take the slightly beefier look might just provide just enough more ride cushion.

[Spawne32]

245/40/18 is the stock size, i can take pics of mine if you want

[Grippy]

Honestly, and I know you didn't mention this as an option, but if I keep my 18s for another set of tires I will probably go with 245/45/18. I think the bigger tires look better, especially with a summer tire. If I go with 19s I'll be using a 265/35/19 on a 9.5" wide wheel. It sounds strange at first but people pull it off quite nicely. I think it's a better proportion to the body of the car.

I'll usually advocate for a bigger tire so take it for what it's worth

[Liquid Smoke]

so the wheels i ended up getting were 8" wide anyway, i found a good deal on a used set of contiprocontact 245/40/18 and went with those, im happy with it and it has a nice cushion compared to my 19s, much more comfortable on rough roads and those jarring potholes. still satisfied with 245/40 over 225/45. i was actually kind of concerned the 245/40 would rub since i was using 17.5mm spacers with it, but since they are 8" they are narrower than i originally calculated and the 245s fill in nicely.

Honestly, and I know you didn't mention this as an option, but if I keep my 18s for another set of tires I will probably go with 245/45/18. I think the bigger tires look better, especially with a summer tire. If I go with 19s I'll be using a 265/35/19 on a 9.5" wide wheel. It sounds strange at first but people pull it off quite nicely. I think it's a better proportion to the body of the car.

I'll usually advocate for a bigger tire so take it for what it's worth

yea i do like the slightly larger tire, i actually was going to get 245/40/19s and put them on my OEM Peelers to use as a thicker tire. but im too low and will start rubbing, i will go that route later on when i prob switch from coils to some bilsteins with HR OE springs, should give me enough clearance for 245/40/19. so i had to settle for 18s to use 245/40.

also i run 255/35 on my 19x9.5 wheels now, but im about to get new tires by summer when i put them back on, and actually am planning to get 265/35. i could use the extra cushion and sidewall and it should still fit rub-free on my setup it looks like. also 255 does get a bit stretched on 9.5 so the 265s should look good and work nicely.

[Grippy]

Looking at some other forums and threads where people used 245/45R18 on winter wheels, it looks like those might be too big.
Since you'll be using an 8.5" wheel then some 255/40s would be perfect. Seems a little too wide for the 8.0" wheels :/ Could work well for you though!

[Liquid Smoke]

Looking at some other forums and threads where people used 245/45R18 on winter wheels, it looks like those might be too big.
Since you'll be using an 8.5" wheel then some 255/40s would be perfect. Seems a little too wide for the 8.0" wheels :/ Could work well for you though!

yea i meant i will use 245/40/19 on my 19x8.5 Peelers, but later on if i change my suspension and raise it up slightly i can have enough clearance. but for now im good with the 245/40 on my 18x8. 245/45 on 18s is too thick for me, it's pretty much the 17" sidewall size, i cant go back to those days anymore lol.

[Blitzzer]

Ive got 255/40/18 and think the ride is great. Snow is not an issue where I'm located. However, I do like road feel and run them hard ~50psi.

[Liquid Smoke]

Ive got 255/40/18 and think the ride is great. Snow is not an issue where I'm located. However, I do like road feel and run them hard ~50psi.

well i see you've got 10" wide so definitely 255 minimum on those i'd go with, i'd prob even do 265 on those if it doesnt end up looking too thick. 50psi is a bit much isnt it? tire max psi says to go like 50, i'd be afraid to hit a pothole or something at 50 and blow the tire out as its kinda near the limit? im running 35 psi on my 245/40, and used to run 38 psi on my 255/35/19s.

[Blitzzer]

I've never had a problem. However, tire wear is always in the center and not the shoulders when over-inflated.. and when was the last time you had to replace your tires because you saw the steel belts showing through the center and not the shoulders? Just a little food for thought.. ;)

[Liquid Smoke]

I've never had a problem. However, tire wear is always in the center and not the shoulders when over-inflated.. and when was the last time you had to replace your tires because you saw the steel belts showing through the center and not the shoulders? Just a little food for thought.. ;)

well i used to run my 19s on 40psi just to have some more stiffness when hitting potholes, my rear middles were worn down a bit more, i didnt have belts showing but the middle was down to the wear bars on the tire, and started making noise while driving, while the outside was still a good tread level. so thats enough for me not to want to go that high. 50 just seems excessive to me, and seems like it'll be a hard ride too but just my preference i guess if it's working for you thats cool. id just be worried about filling to the max psi the tire can handle.

[Blitzzer]

i mispoke, on the A4 i run about 45psi but do run 50psi on my truck. but i admit i am very hard on tires, whether im on my playstation or behind the wheel in a car.. im always playing gran turismo! lol

[Audi Junkie]

I just got some 235/45-18 for my non-sport Avant, I'm hoping they fit.

Stock size 245/45-17 are pretty good with a little extra offset....