Tires: Tire width, inflation pressure, wet traction

Question
  If I put a wider tire(rear drive) on the rear
than the stated factory tire, is there any benefit?  Stability? Traction?
Thanks

Answer
Bill,

Simple question - Complicated answer.

First, let's assume everything else is equal, except for what I discuss.  In all cases below I'm assuming the wheel width doesn't change and is adequate for the increased width of the tire.

Case #1:  Wider, but the equivalent size.  

Decreased hydroplaning resistence
Increased dry traction
Increased wet traction except for hydroplaning.
Decreased fuel economy


Case #2:  Wider, and larger size, but inflation pressure adjusted downwards to get the equivalent load carrying capacity.

Decreased hydroplaning resistence
Increased dry traction
Increased wet traction except for hydroplaning
Decreased fuel economy

Case #3:  Wider, and larger size, but inflation pressure kept the same to get more load carrying capacity.

Same hydroplaning resistence
Increased dry traction
Increased wet traction except for hydroplaning
Same fuel economy
Improved tread wear
Improved tire durability
Decreased ride quality

But if you really want additional benefits in Case #3, do the fronts as well.  You'll also get improved steering crispness.

BTW, you can get most of the benefits in Case #3 by simply using a higher inflation pressure.

Hope this helps.



However, if you use more air pressure than you