QuestionThe car came with different size tires front to rear, This is an all wheel drive. I cannot rotate these tires. I want to replace them with the same size all around. The wheels are all 18x8 with 235-50/18 Front and 255-45/18 rear. These sizes are nearly the same diameter, less then .25 inches difference.
They are also very noisey from road noises. I think that using a tire that is taller (60 series) will help the road noise and I will be able to rotate them as they wear. Since the OEM tires are nearly the same dia. I believe that I can use any tire size that will fit under the fender
well. I need your expert opinion since it is an all wheel drive I just want to be sure.
AnswerLarry,
First, changing tire size doesn't affect tire noise. Noise is either an inherent property of the tire or it is caused by wear patterns - which are generally the result of misalignment. Rotating the tires helps minimize this, but doesn't prevent it.
Second, AWD systems can be very sensitive, so I would be very hestitant to do anything that might cause the drivetrain to react differently - and that would include changing tire size.
Third, the difference in tire size does affect the handling of the vehicle, so again changing to the same size may have some adverse affects.
So my recommendation is to stay with the same set up, make sure the vehicle is aligned properly, and chose tire that will be better for noise.
