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255/55/20 any thoughts

8K views 8 replies 5 participants last post by  2014BB 
#1 ·
I've seen a lot of posts about using larger wider tires, but not much on narower tires. I don't like the snow/rain traction on the stock fortera tires. I'm happy with the dry handling and traction. I'm at 52K with a mix of 4/32 5/32 left. Need to start looking for a replacement. I'm interested in the premier ltx 255/55/20. The OD is close and I'm thinking the slightly narrower tire will be slightly better in the rain/snow. Any one have any experience 255's
 
#2 ·
Yes, the narrower tires will be better in the snow/rain. While it's a different sizes and vehicles, I've done it before on trucks. For some stupid reason people want really wide tires. I tend to look for narrow sets (not super skinny, but 10" is plenty wide). I live close to Lake Erie, and we get lake effect snow..... lots of it. The narrower tires DO handle deep snow and slush a lot better.
In fact, I'm swapping my stock rims/tires for a new set in the next few days too. The set I'm getting are also 255 wide (255/70/18).
 
#4 · (Edited)
It's 10 mm, tread design and quality of construction will play a much greater role than 10 mm of width especially on an inexpensive tire.

On my WJ for winter going from a 305/70/17, to a 255/85/16 made a tremendous difference, flotation versus contact pressure is significant but shaving m 10 mm on the same wheel on an A/S tire or non snow tread design will be a negative in my opinion.
 
#5 ·
Thanks for the feedback, Costco has the Michelin Premier LTX for $194 each less a $70 instant saving , plus $60 off installation for executive members in the 255/55/20 tires. I Normally like buying tires at tirerack with a local Firestone doing the install. Very happy with the service from my local firestone.

But Costco would save about $100. Anyone have experience with followup service at costco (flats, balance, rotation).
 
#7 ·
Have about 400 miles on the Michelin Premier LTX 255/55-20 XL. Smoother, quieter, slight improvement in gas mileage (hard to tell because of the change in diameter, speedo about 1 mph off at 70) The original Fortera were good for 54K and still had 5/32 left, but were very squirrelly with measurable rain on the road, not good in moderate snow either.
Was hoping the new tires would be a little narrower to help with their bite in rain and snow, but after looking at the specs they are exactly the same tread width. 8.3 as the stock fortera. Still narrower then the Premier are in the 265/50-20 (9.1 inches).

Will update once I get rain and snow.
 
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