Reduced Wheel Positive Offset, yet Smaller Diameter and Wider Tire Fitment

[aPOS]

I tried comprehending the changes, but I remain uncertain. I have tried the research Forum feature, yet I am still confused.

I would like to place 225/45/16 tires on aftermarket wheels having an offset of +38. The wheels came with the car, and I prefer to not buy new wheels.

I do have 205/55/16 snow tires on OEM wheels for winter. I noticed OEM wheels have been described as being 16 x 6 with an offset of +46. Also, I noticed OEM tires are 24.9" in overall diameter.
Wheel Size

Another reference I found informs recommendations for wheel and tire combinations.
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/fre...tions/286685-will-these-wheels-tires-fit.html

My lacking comprehension lies in how a smaller diameter tire (23.7" for a 225/45/16 tire vs. OEM's 24.9") that is somewhat wider (8.7" vs. OEM's 8.4" ) would possibly rub (especially in the rear) using a wheel having an offset of +38 (compared to OEM's +46).

My confusion comes from how a more than 1" smaller tire could rub regardless of a changed offset. My OEM wheels/tires appear to have a lot of space between the tires and the wheel wells, and the space actually looks overly large (in fact, funny looking). Coincidentally, I do have aftermarket KYB AGX struts that may already lower my car 0.75", according to the manufacturer.

Please, educate me about the fitment of 225/45/16 tires on 16x7 wheels having a +38 offset.

 

[Dyesuperman]

I don't see where you seeing that they won't fit because of rubbing...The chart says there is 15mm or less clearance between the tire and the FENDER so some rolling of the fenders may be required, but it is hit or miss depending on the car.

Lower offset means they stick out more, higher offset means they are closer to the inside knuckle

 

[aPOS]

Thanks for the reply Caleb. Your response illustrates why I am uncertain about using 225/45/16 tires because I prefer not rolling the fenders.

I guess my basic questions are: “How does a smaller tire possibly rub the fenders when there appears to be so much fender space above the taller OEM tires?” Considering my OEM wheel/tire is about 41mm below my rear fender (the informative chart indicates 33mm), wouldn’t the smaller 225/45/16 tire have even more fender space (especially more than only 15mm)? How does the tire sticking farther out reduce its space below the fender, especially with a smaller diameter tire? What am I misunderstanding about tire diameter and offset?

 

[Dyesuperman]

The clearance to the fender isn't talking about how much space there is above the tire, it's talking about how much side to side clearance there is. The offset is bringing the tire/while outward more therefore reducing that clearance. I personally think you will be fine and even if you do need to roll the fenders it won't be much at all and you can just use a bat