Max width of tires
 

What would be the the max width of tires for 17' rims (iam just asking hypothetically). Does the wider the width of the tire mean better for performance? thanks
chris

400!

width of the tire is based on width of the rim, not diameter (I'm guessing you meant 17" diameter).

look here for a sample chart of tire width vice wheel width:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec.j...el=Pilot+Sport

As to if the performance is better - way too complicated for me to answer. There's MANY variables, sidewall stiffness, tread compound "softness", % of tread contacting the road (from slick to ??), and of course road conditions enter, i.e, snow, rain, dry performance. There's lots more, mostly I think this is a trial and error thing - look at how many tires the big companies bring to an event or even how Bridgestone has teamed with Ferrari on F1 to match tire to chassis characteristics - science and black art - IMHO.

Generally, a wider tire on a wider wheel will preform better on dry pavement. A wider tire will be more apt to hydroplaining in the wet though. Wider tires are also worse in the snow.

Mike