Tires: Tire Traction, vw jetta, custom rims

Question
Hi Barry,

I have a 2003 VW Jetta GLI with 225's on it.  If I purchased some custom rims and put 255's on it would this give my car significantly more traction?

Would it be able to corner better?

If I lost traction while driving would the increased tire width make it easier to regain control?

Thank you very much.

Answer
Assuming everything else remains the same, then going wider means the aspect ratio will have to be lower.   And what follows is based on that assumption.

There will be more difference between tires of different types, than there is between the same tire in a different size.  

But directionally, wider is better for dry traction and wet traction (not including hydroplaning) and worse for fuel economy, ride harshness, resistance to irregular wear, hydroplaning resistance, and snow traction.

And ease of regaining control is more a vehicle / driver sort of thing.

Hope this helps.