"Proper" Tire Sizes for 18x9 and 18x10 Wheels
 

My car is almost off the road for the winter up here in snowy Western NY, but come spring time, I'd like to get rid of the stock 5-stars and step up to some 18-inch wheels. I'm thinking about some Hypercoated FR500's at the moment, but I'm not sure yet. I do know that I want to go with 18's though, so 18x9 up front and 18x10 in the back.

What size tires should I go with? I would like to stick with the Nitto NT555's because that is what are on the rear wheels now and despite the lack of tread, I am pretty impressed with them. I've heard everything from 245, 255, 265, and lastly 275 up front for the 9-inch wheels. Likewise for the back; I've heard 285, 295, and 315. I'm aware that the 315/30/18's are all drag radials, and expensive at that. I can probably afford some Nitto DR's, but I'm not so sure about some of the more expensive brands. It would be nice to have even more traction in the rear though.

So basically, I would like to know what the "proper" tire size is for both size wheels. I do not like the stretched look that is caused by a too small or too big tire for the wheel, like I get on my stock 17x8's with a 275 wheel in the back. I'd prefer them to be flush like the 245's are up front, if that makes sense.

Hopefully all this mumble gumble makes sense guys.

if you go to tirerack or AM, their tire & wheel packages usually come with the "proper" sized tire. I would use that as a guide.

a 265/275 up front and a 305 out back will give you the flush with the wheel look you want.

I don't see how a 275 is the proper size for a 9-inch wide wheel and an extra 10mm is the proper size for an extra inch. That's an additional .4 of an inch whereas to make it "correct" in my mind you would need an additional inch. It doesn't make sense to me... :confused:

And Spike, I'm assuming I would be looking for something like a 275/35 and 305/30? I just looked for some 305's and didn't really find shit; are they mostly DR's?

305 is going to be a Nitto drag radial as you mentioned you were interested in them. Otherwise 315 is where the street tires are at.

275's look good on 9 inch rims. they dont "puff" out the side at all, the look flush and great