Spring/Fall Tire Setup

[BaileytheDog]

I have a 2023 with the PP1 package, P-Zero tires. Here the spring and fall mornings can be around 20 degrees but 60's in the afternoon. I plan on storing for the true winter months, but would like to extend the season a bit. I want to get an all season tire/rim setup.
I have read this and other forum discussions and am more confused then ever.
I want to keep the stock sizes (I think) and I don't want to use spacers. (Or do I just run square for those months)

Are there some aftermarket rims out there that will fit the Brembos?
I can find take-off original rims and I'm not opposed to going that route, but thought I would look aftermarket first as I'll still need to swap out the P-Zeros that come with those.
Dumb question: Are the rims the same size, just the tires different widths, or are the rims different widths also.
As you can see, I know nothing about rims and tires.
Thanks

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[NightmareMoon]

Wheels have a diameter(most 19"s will fit brembos, only some 18"s fit, 20s are also an option)

Wheels have a width and an offset. Width on your stock wheels are 9" front 9.5" rear.

Wheel offsets are like ET42.5, ET30,etc. They're measured in mm (not inches) and lower numbers mean the wheel is pushed out more towards the fender. The offset and the width determine how it sits in the wheel well. You have to pay attention to both.

Tires should have a width(mm) / sidewall ratio and Radius. So 255/40R19 is an approximately 255mm wide tire with sidewalls 40% as tall as the tire is wide, and fits a wheel with a radius of 19".

Figure out how beefy wide you want to run your tires and then pick a wheel at least that wide or wider for best performance. People tend to pick a wheel for looks and then try to cram a tire on there which is really too wide for their wheel width and the result is a tire which is poorly supported by the wheel and handling performance and grip suffers. You want a wheel which is just the right size or slightly wider for the tire in question.

If you buy from a mustang specific online vendor like LMR.com (SVE wheels), they will usually help make sure you're looking at wheels that fit your model year.

For a general street setup, I really recommend 19x10" ET35 wheels with 285/35R19 tires. They sit flush to the fenders and are wider than stock. Plus, being a square setup (i.e. front and rear wheels are interchangeable), you can rotate all 4 and get a bit more life out of the tires. SVE has a ton of cheap, strong, and light 19x10" designs to choose from which will fit your car with no drama.

Mustang's stock wheels are usually cast construction and cost too much for what they are. Cast means they're quite heavy. Ideally look for spin forged or flow formed (same thing) wheels which have a stronger barrel and lighter weight, which makes the ride better. (again, check out the SVE wheel offerings, they're flow formed.). Wholly forged is even better, but less common and more $$$.

For a spring/fall setup with temps down to 20°, you're probably looking at an all-season performance tire, like the Continental DWS06 or Michellin Pilot Sport A/S 4. Again its really important to buy a wheel and tire which are matched widths and not just cram a 11" wide 305 tire on a 10" wheel just because you can technically make it fit, especially for a tire with a relatively squishy sidewall like the DWS06.

 

[MAGS1]

Can’t state it any better than Nightmaremoon did. +1 for the Conti DWS06 or the Michelin AS4. Both are really good all seasons.

 

[Farkel]

NightmareMoon nailed it, but you might also want to consider 275/40 tires. More sidewall for a more comfy ride, and same size rears as stock, so your speedometer won't be affected.
Edit: you might like the square setup so much you'll just leave it on even in the summer.

 

[Gregdd]

I am also shoping for some cold weather tires. Seriously thinking about going with 275/40/19 square setup. On apex 19x10 ec7. I have a lip at the end of my driveway that i barely clear. That tiny change in diameter will help me out.

 

[Bluemustang]

You won't want your summer tires to experience 20 degrees - ideally not exposed to it at all. Not only can they crack, but the cold temps can change the composition of the rubber if left for too much time. When it heats back up, suddenly it won't grip as well anymore. I went through a winter with Firehawk Indy 500s and I experienced that. I have Michelin A/S PS4s as my daily or anytime set, and I can tell you they are very grippy. They are impressive. Close to or maybe even with some other summer tires in terms of overall grip.

My advice is go to all seasons all the time or go to two sets of tires. 19x9.5 square would be pretty good and allow you to run 255 or 275 square and then you can rotate your tires properly and extend their life.

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