Can I run 18" summer tires & rims and have a separate 17" set of tires & rims for winter?

[AGLzaca]

I'm new to the idea of needing different winter and summer tires, compared to where I grew up.

I may be getting a 22' Big Bend, with the upgraded 18" tire set. If I'm considering getting separate winter tires, is there any reason not to just get 17" steel rims and the standard sized 17" tires, instead of getting 18" for winter as well?

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[Osco]

Sounds like a good idea as 17” tires should give you more choices. Go 235 65R17 for example. Whats your 18’s ?
Probably 60 series ? I’m curious

 

[M3H7363]

Sounds like a good idea as 17” tires should give you more choices. Go 235 65R17 for example. Whats your 18’s ?
Probably 60 series ? I’m curious

These are the optional 18" wheels and tires for the Big Bend.

 

[Meanderthal]

I have used separate winter/summer wheels and tires for decades. I will say that the winter tire should be narrower than the summer. In snow/slush you want the tire to dig in and get down to the road (if possible). A wider tire in the winter is more likely to "float" or "hydroplane". If the summers are 225/60 R18, then I would look for something like a 205/70 R17 though that is just a guess on the "70" part of that.

Currently I run 235/35 R19 in the summer and 205/50 R17 in the winter on my VW Golf R.

 

[AGLzaca]

Thanks everyone.

I'm not sure what actual tire brand/models come standard on the 18", apart from being all season.

So thought I might get the Michelin Ice-X for Pacific Northwest winters, lots of rain, some days of snow and ice. If I can also find cheap steel wheels.

 

[thekingprawn]

I'm not sure what actual tire brand/models come standard on the 18", apart from being all season.

The only 18s listed on the tech specs are the standard OBX tires which are 225/60R18 Michelin Energy Saver A/S. The only optional tires listed for the BB are the Continental A/Ts. I don't know that this answers the question, but it gives a reasonable possibility.

 

[AGLzaca]

@thekingprawn I'll hopefully be able to confirm that next week.

 

[Meanderthal]

You can find a 17" steel wheel pretty easy. Not sure if $96/ea counts as "cheap" for you.

 

[MaxVelocity]

You won't have any problem running the stock 225-65/17. That size is nearly identical overall to your 18s. Using https://tiresize.com/comparison/ you can compare sizes:

 

[Dperry285]

I'm new to the idea of needing different winter and summer tires, compared to where I grew up.

I may be getting a 22' Big Bend, with the upgraded 18" tire set. If I'm considering getting separate winter tires, is there any reason not to just get 17" steel rims and the standard sized 17" tires, instead of getting 18" for winter as well?

Your speedometer and odometer will be off with the different size tires, these two things are calibrated to the wheel diameter

 

[Meanderthal]

Your speedometer and odometer will be off with the different size tires, these two things are calibrated to the wheel diameter

Actually, they are calibrated to the overall tire outer diameter. The wheel has no effect on the calibration.

 

[Discount Tire]

@Meanderthal absolutely spot on. If the overall rolling diameter is the same, regardless of wheel diameter alone, then the speedometer is not affected. @MaxVelocity the diagram he supplied is very informative.

 

[PugDad]

Thanks everyone.

I'm not sure what actual tire brand/models come standard on the 18", apart from being all season.

So thought I might get the Michelin Ice-X for Pacific Northwest winters, lots of rain, some days of snow and ice. If I can also find cheap steel wheels.

Good winter tire there. Just had a new set shipped for the coming winter. Just need the BS to put them on.

 

[Discount Tire]

@PugDad now that's putting the cart in front of the hoarse. But as long as you are positive you are getting the vehicle, all is well.

 

[PugDad]

@PugDad now that's putting the cart in front of the hoarse. But as long as you are positive you are getting the vehicle, all is well.

Death and taxes the only two positives in life.

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