Anything bad about running a shorter tire?

[The Great Gazoo]

I have a set of 235/40R18 Conti DWS06 tires from my Focus ST. They are 25.4" tall versus the stock 27" tall 255/40R19. I realize that the speedo will read higher than real speed and there will be a bigger gap around the wheelwell but I think the Conti would be better in wet/snow than the Zero Nero's I have. I just need to get rims.

Thoughts on running this combo? Or should I bite the bullet and get some good true winter tires/rims and try to sell the Conti's I have.

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[Fordever]

I have a set of 235/40R18 Conti DWS06 tires from my Focus ST. They are 25.4" tall versus the stock 27" tall 255/40R19. I realize that the speedo will read higher than real speed and there will be a bigger gap around the wheelwell but I think the Conti would be better in wet/snow than the Zero Nero's I have. I just need to get rims.

Thoughts on running this combo? Or should I bite the bullet and get some good true winter tires/rims and try to sell the Conti's I have.

From what I can gather, you guys are having a crap winter (for Vancouver anyway). I would park it and get a 4X4...

Your speedo will be off by about 6% and that will translate to adding 6% onto your odometer as well.

having said all that, if you are planning on keeping the car for a while and using it year-round, then why not get the right size wheels and winter tires.:shrug:

I know I didn't really answer your question, but that's my thoughts.:cheers:

 

[Blk2015GT]

It will be that 6mph (6%) off at 100mph. 65 will be 61. 45 will be 42.29. 25 will be 23.5

It gets closer at lower speeds. Theoretically in the snow you wont be going 100 or even 65 anyway; so likely under 3mph off.

Narrower tires wont help much with traction though.

 

[Competition Orange]

It will be that 6mph (6%) off at 100mph. 65 will be 61. 45 will be 42.29. 25 will be 23.5

It gets closer at lower speeds. Theoretically in the snow you wont be going 100 or even 65 anyway; so likely under 3mph off.

Narrower tires wont help much with traction though.

narrower tires are desirable for winter/snow driving.

 

[VinnAY]

It will be that 6mph (6%) off at 100mph. 65 will be 61. 45 will be 42.29. 25 will be 23.5

It gets closer at lower speeds. Theoretically in the snow you wont be going 100 or even 65 anyway; so likely under 3mph off.

Narrower tires wont help much with traction though.

narrower tires are the universal recommendation for winter.

 

[The Great Gazoo]

Thanks guys. I still don't know what to do. I think I will try to sell the rims/tires I have for the old ST and will buy some winter tires for the 19's 50th trim I have. Then I will buy some nice rims/tires like Vossen 20's for summer. Wife will kill me, but maybe she doesn't find out about it all after I get her winters for her Escape.

 

[VinnAY]

I got a winter set mounted/balanced/shipped for $1700 from Tire Rack, seemed the most economical way to go.

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