Smaller winter wheels?

[TruckPrius]

I currently have the stock lariat 18" tires and rims, thinking about what to do for winter tires and reading that smaller tires wheels are potentially better?

If I got a second set of wheels like the steelies or XLT trim ones to put some blizzaks on, would I need to get the computer changed for the odometer? Could I do this myself somehow?

Thanks for your help!

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[brokenaxle]

Just match the diameter of your current set up and no reprogramming is required. If you help with that just go to tire rack and build a winter wheel/tire combo.

 

[Darnon]

The "smaller tire" is usually more in width. 215/65R17 is only 2% smaller in circumference so you'd only be off ~1 mph @ 50 mph; not really worth changing the speed-/odometer for. Theoretically going taller to 215/70R17 is only 1% difference, but that's an uncommon size.

 

[Ozarkbeard]

...thinking about what to do for winter tires and reading that smaller tires are potentially better?..

Not sure if smaller diameter tires are better in snow, but narrower width tires are better.

 

[sprubs]

Just match the diameter of your current set up and no reprogramming is required. If you help with that just go to tire rack and build a winter wheel/tire combo.

Yep! Good advice.

 

[Optimus]

I currently have the stock lariat 18" tires and rims, thinking about what to do for winter tires and reading that smaller tires are potentially better?

If I got a second set of wheels like the steelies or XLT trim ones to put some blizzaks on, would I need to get the computer changed for the odometer? Could I do this myself somehow?

Thanks for your help!

Just stick with the same diameter of tire and you’ll be fine. No need to worry about the speedo being off. Narrower tires or smaller wheels won’t affect the speedo either. There are plenty of tire size calculators out there if you want to play around with the numbers, but if that is not your thing, any competent shop can match the diameter for you.

 

[sprubs]

Not sure if smaller diameter tires are better in snow, but narrower width tires are better.

I would think larger diameter tires would be better in snow but I also wouldn't recommend changing the diameter away from the stock diameter.

As for width, I could see going a little more narrow but there are going to be compromises there for everyday (not in snow) handling. I'd probably keep the width in the realm of the stock width as well.

 

[TruckPrius]

Thanks for the responses everyone, I'm learning a lot and trying to figure out the right move for me

Tirerack is recommending 225/65R17, so if I grabbed some 17" bronco wheels with that size tire it should work within a few percent of odometer/speedometer accuracy where I shouldn't even worry about it if I ever let go of the vehicle?

 

[Optimus]

The same 225/65R17 is what’s stock on my XLT hybrid. I bought another set of alloy wheels and Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 snow tires to go with them. Then I got new OEM TPMS sensors/valve stems off eBay (that auto-registered to the truck). These Nokians and Blizzaks are my favorites!

 

[Darnon]

Tirerack is recommending 225/65R17, so if I grabbed some 17" bronco wheels with that size tire it should work within a few percent of odometer/speedometer accuracy where I shouldn't even worry about it if I ever let go of the vehicle?

225/65R17 is functionally the same circumference as the 225/60R18s so no affect on the speedometer/odometer. Although they aren't smaller/narrower if that's your intent as in the original post.

 

[TruckPrius]

225/65R17 is functionally the same circumference as the 225/60R18s so no affect on the speedometer/odometer. Although they aren't smaller/narrower if that's your intent as in the original post.

Thanks, I meant smaller wheels I had read somewhere that getting the extra sidewall height might help for a smoother ride in the winter.

 

[RLmesc]

You are correct. The smaller diameter wheel with a taller tire will equate to the larger wheels you have and work better for snows. I bought some brand new 17x7.5 five spoke rims for winter but can't use them because I have larger brake calipers. For sale for $600 plus shipping if you are interested. In Iowa.

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