QuestionQUESTION: I am looking at a new Expedition EL. Standard tires are Pirelli Scorpion STRA 255/70 18. Optional are a nice set of Pirelli Scorpion STR 275/55 HR20. These wheels look fantastic but the more I read having low profile tires on a 6,000 pound SUV is not the way to go. It seems like winter performance isn't real good and the ride quality will suffer. I live in the northeast where winter is an issue and so are roads with giant potholes. Even so I see that there are winter versions of the low profile tire that get good reviews. Any help here would be appreciated.
Thanks
ANSWER: Steve,
As a general rule, what you have heard about low profile tires is true - not so much because of the weight of the vhicle, but more because low profile tires are designed with high on-road traction in mind.
Your best best, if you want the 20" for the way it looks, is to buy a set of lower diameter rims and equip them with winter tires.
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QUESTION: Thank you for your answer. If I can just clarify it a bit, when you say buy a set of lower diameter rims do you mean getting a somthing like an 18 along with winter tires and changing them for the season? Would that be better than just getting a winter tire for the 20" inch rims? Lastly should I expect a greater chance of sidewall damage with the low profile ones?
thank you again for your help.
AnswerSteve,
Yes, I was thinking along the lines of 18", although I think 17" will fit as well, and there ought to be more of a selection of tires in the 17".
The reason I didn't suggest the 20" winter tires is that the tires would have to be dismounted every year and there is always a fee for that AND a risk that the rims would be damage.
Further, I suggest you get a jack, some jack stands, and change your own rims. Cheap, and easy.
