[gitano_jd]

I have the standar goodyear and I have faced teh same problems some other members metioned. The car slides a bit when wet, grip is not good and noisy.

I looked up and down, left and right and it seems the Michelin Cross Terrain SUV are the best tires for this truck, but.. the standard size looks to skinny for the truck size. My truck is primarily driven by my wife which is expecting our baby soon and I like it to be more responsive and safe.

The next size up by some calculations is the 255/60/17. My questions are:
Will this size fit on the standard rims?
Will it rub against the inside wall/strut?
Has anyone ever try this tire upgrade?

Any help is much appreciated

Thanks


------------------------------------------------
01 MDX/navi
01 330Ci

 

[Fireblade6]

Gitano-
You should not have any problems. My friend currently carry that size on this MDX now. 255 is the maximum width you want to go with. Anything wider will not be safe and will cause your tires to buldge and affect the performance of your vehicle.

 

[gitano_jd]

Fireblade6,

Do you know what kind of tires your friend decided to use? and do you have any pictures of it you can post?

Thank in advance

 

[GatorGreg]

On my old CR-V, I upgraded the tires from stock 205/70-15s to some Michelin LTX M/S in size 225/70-15 on the same stock rims. So I would think that going from 235/65-17s to 255/60-17s on the MDX would be no problem. I've toyed with the idea of getting 255/65-17s. The tire upgrade on my CR-V did wonders in terms of both ride and looks, and added about a half inch of ground clearance. (I've got pics if anyone cares to see them ) BTW, I'm not sure where Weston is (N. Fla ) but you're invited to attend the 3rd Annual Big CR-V/MDX Scrub in St. Augustine on Feb. 16th, details in my sig line below.

 

[ucsdtriton]

I'm also trying to see if 255/60/17 will work. Height wise, it is almost identical to the height of the stock Michelin's (235/65/17), and feeling behind the tire, it does not seem like an extra 10mm on either side would interfere with any of the suspension parts.

I've been doing some research on TireRack.com and the first thing I've learned, is that there are few tires that come in that size. The problem is that if you click on the "Spec" for any of these tires, the minimum recommended width is 7"... damn. But, there is one tire, the BF Goodrich Comp T/A HR4, which TireRack.com has listed as the recommended minimum is 6.5"!, BUT I think it is a mistake, as I checked the official BF Goodrich site, and it lists the minimum as 7"... double damn. I've left an email with TireRack.com to see if it's just a fluke or if the they've found out through experience that it is OK/safe to install these tires on 6.5" rims.

Quite frankly, I'm a little perturbed at Acura for fitting the MDX with 6.5" rims, particularly when all the competitors have 7" or wider rims, and the fact that it limits owners to the widest recommended width of 235/65/17. I would love to switch my rims (Touring-Chromed) with some Acura CL Type S 17" chrome rims because.... there 7" wide! (The TL S is also only 6.5" wide).

I may just say the heck with it, and just go to a tire shop and ask them to put it on and see if it works, size 255/60/17 that is. I've read somewhere once that though it is not recommded to install a tire on a narrower than recommended rim, BMW has fitted rims that were .5" narrower than the OEM tires recommended. Heck, if BMW has done it...

I personally think Acura spec'd the MDX with 6.5" rims to help the fuel economy #'s, because supposedly with lower unsprung weight (something like that), the better the fuel economy. Which I guess is not a bad thing, considering mpg for SUV's suck in general. Who knows, maybe cost was even a minor factor.

If anyone's done it, I'd like to know also, and what tire!

 

[gitano_jd]

ucsdtriton,

Let us know what tire rack had to say. The problem with trying to see if these tires fit the standard rim is that you need to order them. Once you ordered them and they don't fit most shops say you own them and they can not be returned.

Has any one else try this size combo?

 

[ucsdtriton]

Reply from TireRack.com...

The Bad News:

"Thanks for your inquiry.

You would need to put on your MDX a wider wheel to fit any wider tire. Or you do have to stick with 235/65-17.

If you have any other questions or need to place an order, please feel free to contact me. If you are placing an order online, please be sure to reference my name, so that I can watch over the order as it processes.

Best regards,

Dallas
888-541-1777 ext. 267
219-287-2345"


Oh well, come 40k+ miles, I might just be putting up my chrome rims for sale, but I've already got 25K+ miles and the Michelins look like they could go another 25K easy. As far as handling, ride, and noise, I have no complaints about the 235/65/17's, just wish they were a tad beefier.

I still think it's possible to put on 255/60's, but also think no tireshop or tirerack.com will ever say it's OK, I figure they gotta cover their butts. Good Luck to anyone who will try it.

 

[ardvarkus]

Mich mileage

Just replaced my cross terrains...only got 30k.

I could have squeezed another 4k out, but we take it in the snow... dry weather it would be OK, rain marginal.

My wife drives it (extensively!) and mostly local chip-sealed roads. Perhaps 20% was on highway, the rest local. Concrete is MUCH friendlier than gravel chip.

I looked at upsizing, but the rims are too small. Although bigger tires may fit, the distortion of the tire can lead to problems, plus dynamic stability is reduced with a wide tire on small rims.

Given the overall performance (engine, suspension, COG), I'm not convinced the change for a larger tread is worth it. (Other than the look serving to justify calling this suv a 'truck')...

Ard

PS Just went from a 215/65 V15 on a 6.5" to a 245/50 V16 on a 7.5" on my Q45...THAT made a huge difference.

 

[gitano_jd]

so to be or not to be... that is the question

 

[Markedoc]

Well, I am going to address the situation by using my 17" wheels for snows and picking up an 18" wheel for summer tires. Just not sure what 18" wheel yet!

 

[Ikram MDX]

I have recently put wider tires on the stock 17"x6.5" wheels for my MDX. The size I have used is 255/60-17. The MDX not only looks better with the wider wheels but also drives better. I have used the Continental brand tire, model 4x4 Contact. I purchased them from Tirerack for $62 a piece. The rating in the tire is Traction A and Temperature A. The tread pattern is decent also. The MDX handles better with the Continentals compared to the stock Goodyear Integrity. I am not suer how the performance would be if compared to the Michelins which go on the Touring. I guess for the price at $62 a piece these tires are well worth the money. I have also come to find out that the Continental 4x4 Contact size 255/60-17 which I have used are also the OEM tire and size which is now on the new Mercedes ML350.

 

[ardvarkus]

I have recently put wider tires on the stock 17"x6.5" wheels for my MDX. The size I have used is 255/60-17. The MDX not only looks better with the wider wheels but also drives better. I have used the Continental brand tire, model 4x4 Contact. I purchased them from Tirerack for $62 a piece. The rating in the tire is Traction A and Temperature A. The tread pattern is decent also. The MDX handles better with the Continentals compared to the stock Goodyear Integrity. I am not suer how the performance would be if compared to the Michelins which go on the Touring. I guess for the price at $62 a piece these tires are well worth the money. I have also come to find out that the Continental 4x4 Contact size 255/60-17 which I have used are also the OEM tire and size which is now on the new Mercedes ML350.

I'd venture the opinion that the tires are dangerously oversized for the rims- the section width is 10.3 inches for your tire, and the rim is only 6.5!....stock section width is 9 inches.

Increases the tendancy for the tire to roll with emergeny handling.

Tirerack is more than happy to sell dangerous tires to anyone- they don't install so they have no liability...

 

[PsychoKnight]

Just Don't Go Skiing

I guess its not a big deal living in Florida or Houston, TX, but for those of you who ski or snowboard regularly, or enjoy winter camping or backpacking, or just need to go over snow covered passes from time to time;

Recognize that the stock rim and tire barely allow enough clearance for cable chains. I measure about a 1/4" cable to strut clearance on mine. Adding an additional 10 mm to the strut side of the wheel combination is likely to eliminate the necessary clearance.

I would consider that before you tell your extended family or friends that, "No, I can't take the MDX to the mountains because my snow cables won't fit," and that your wife and kids will have to split up and ride in someone else's Ford Explorer or Dodge Caravan. Maybe its not a bad idea if you need a break from all the fighting, kicking, screaming, yelling and hair-pulling with the spouse - I mean, the kids.

 

[DaleB]

Tirerack is more than happy to sell dangerous tires to anyone- they don't install so they have no liability...

Tirerack does provide charts showing the recommended sizes for a given wheel size. Beyond that they SHOULD be able to sell anything to anybody. Further llability translates to more gov regulation, something we don't need. It's only 'dangerous' if the buyer makes poor choices or decides to ignore recommendations.
Personally, I don't see the big advantage of mail order tires unless you live in a rural area with limited facilities for tire sales/mounting.

 

[Wazowski]

Wow, I'm glad I saw this thread. I was contemplating getting wider tires for my 6.5" OEM rims, but now I think I'll just stick with my 235/65-R17 tires since I want to be able to easily install cable chains on my tires for when I go skiing.

So, it seems that if I do want wider tires, I need to get new rims. The next question is what wider tire and rim sizes will be compatible with the odometer, speedometer and navigation systems? I don't want to throw off the odometer, speedometer and navigation systems by putting the wrong circumference tires on my rig.

 

[DaleB]

The next question is what wider tire and rim sizes will be compatible with the odometer, speedometer and navigation systems? I don't want to throw off the odometer, speedometer and navigation systems by putting the wrong circumference tires on my rig.

Many wheel and tire sites, like tirerack.com do have charts showing how to pick the right size and profile to maintain close to a given diameter.

 

[MDX Moto]

Why would you put cable chains on your MDX in the first place? If the four wheel drive can't get you out its A) icy in the first place and you should wait till the roads have been salted,sanded,etc. B) you can't drive over a certain speed with chains on any way so why not use the VTM lock and get home slowly and safely C) if the weather is that bad where you live that you need 4 wheel drive plus traction devices you should be running studs. D) even the worst winter storms most highway patrols will let you pass with 4 wheel drive plus snow tires. I have never seen a 4X4 requirement +chains. if the weather is that bad you probably don't need to go where your headed.
I have lived at 11,000 feet in South Park county Colorado (and also 10 years in Utah working at the ski resorts) and never did I see any snow that would stop a four wheel drive vehicle with a good set of tires. I even comuted home in a blizzard in my 95 Subaru pushing a bow wave of snow (1.5 foot of fresh snow on Hoosier pass) and I did'nt need chains. However remember that skinny tires work better in snow(think pizza cutters)
Just my .02:2:

 

[Wazowski]

Why would you put cable chains on your MDX in the first place? If the four wheel drive can't get you out its A) icy in the first place and you should wait till the roads have been salted,sanded,etc. B) you can't drive over a certain speed with chains on any way so why not use the VTM lock and get home slowly and safely C) if the weather is that bad where you live that you need 4 wheel drive plus traction devices you should be running studs. D) even the worst winter storms most highway patrols will let you pass with 4 wheel drive plus snow tires. I have never seen a 4X4 requirement +chains. if the weather is that bad you probably don't need to go where your headed.
. . . .

I agree, MDX Moto. However, mikerorick said in this thread

http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10628

that the "Washington State Patrol . . . says I gotta have chains in the car, even though not on the tires, to be legal on the pass during this bad storm yesterday and today."

What's up with that?

 

[ardvarkus]

Further llability translates to more gov regulation, something we don't need.

Sounds good, but is it true?

How does simple LEGAL LIABILITY "translate" to more regulations???

Let's split a hair: why would tirerack have no responsibility if they sell an unsafe size, yet a company that sells AND INSTALLS the tire has liability? My belief is that both have liability unless you clearly waive your right to expect a safe configuration.

Make sure you put all the details in writing with any mail order tire company: sizes, weight, etc.

Ard

 

[PsychoKnight]

Why would you put cable chains on your MDX in the first place? If the four wheel drive can't get you out its A) icy in the first place and you should wait till the roads have been salted,sanded,etc. B) you can't drive over a certain speed with chains on any way so why not use the VTM lock and get home slowly and safely C) if the weather is that bad where you live that you need 4 wheel drive plus traction devices you should be running studs. D) even the worst winter storms most highway patrols will let you pass with 4 wheel drive plus snow tires. I have never seen a 4X4 requirement +chains. if the weather is that bad you probably don't need to go where your headed.
I have lived at 11,000 feet in South Park county Colorado (and also 10 years in Utah working at the ski resorts) and never did I see any snow that would stop a four wheel drive vehicle with a good set of tires. I even comuted home in a blizzard in my 95 Subaru pushing a bow wave of snow (1.5 foot of fresh snow on Hoosier pass) and I did'nt need chains. However remember that skinny tires work better in snow(think pizza cutters)
Just my .02:2:

Its okay if you have an electronic crystal ball that tells you where the icy stretches of road are when you are an hour or two into the drive, and if you knew where exactly the highway dept has just worked over the roads, and where the highway patrol is turning back non-chained vehicles (regardless of 4x4 availability). See below CA requirements (yes, flat landers are very paranoid about snow on the roads, they can't even drive in the rain!)
Chain Requirements
R1: Chains are required - snow tread tires allowed.
R2: Chains are required on all vehicles except four wheel drive vehicles with snow tires on all four wheels.
R3: Chains are required - all vehicles - no exceptions.
http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/wntrdriv.htm

My brother passed an R3 checkpoint shortly before they shut down the entire passage. They told him, "from here on, no plows, no salt, no patrols, you're on your own, good luck, Buddy!"

In CA, chains are required to be carried onboard 4x4 vehicles at all times during which chain requirements are in effect. 4X4 snow tires do not exempt you from maintaining suitable chains/cables for your vehicle.
CA Vehicle Code 27460. Any passenger vehicle or motortruck having an unladen weight of 6,500 pounds or less and operated and equipped with four-wheel drive and with snow-tread tires on all four drive wheels may be operated upon any portion of a highway without tire traction devices, notwithstanding the fact that the highway is signed for the requirement of those devices and provided that tire traction devices for at least one set of drive wheels are carried in or upon the vehicle. This presumes that once beyond the checkpoint, at any time a patrol officer or DOT personnel can require you to put your chains on, and this code specificaly allows them to cite you and not permit you to continue if you don't have them in your possession