Tire Question

[Mason]

I have a GSX that is in need of 2 tires. My question is that I have
215/50/r17 on it now. I'm thinking of going wider in the rear. Can I do
this if I go with a 235/50/R17 ? As long as the sidewalls are the same and the tires are by the same manufactuer?

 

[Ludachris]

Originally posted by Mason
I have a GSX that is in need of 2 tires. My question is that I have
215/50/r17 on it now. I'm thinking of going wider in the rear. Can I do
this if I go with a 235/50/R17 ? As long as the sidewalls are the same and the tires are by the same manufactuer?

This isn't a good idea on AWD cars. It could potentially cause rear end problems since you'll be putting more stress (more contact patch) on the rear. I would (and I'm sure everyone else would too) suggest that you stick with the exact same sizing for all four tires. Since the car was designed to have equal traction at all four corners, it wouldn't be smart to screw up that balance.

 

[ProjectTalon130]

I agree completely with ludachris, your rear end won't like having to work harder to spin, move, and turn the wheels than your front end when both are getting equal amounts of pull from the transfer case which probably will feel the effects as well because if you launch it your rearend will stick longer than the front which may bounce around and break something in half...just a thought strictly out of a series of "what ifs" i was pondering.

 

[wret]

Another thought, just in case you are not already convinced:

50% of 215 and 50% of 235 are not the same.

 

[Mason]

Thanks for the imput. I thought this might be the
response but it can't hurt to ask.