[jspbtown]

First time poster with a 2011 CTS AWD Coupe. I am now at tire time and need to get some more winter appropriate tires. As I have seen....and read through dozens of posts....the rear tire sizes are really limited. I would prefer to get a more snow capable time as the CTS is my winter vehicle.

So here is my question.....

On the factory rims can I go 245/45R18 up front and 275/40R18 out back?

I want to use the factory rims and no spacers. The diameters seem to line up well front to back and I realize my speedo will be off a tad but I think the AWD will be OK given their rotations per mile similarities. The width is not that extreme of a difference so clearance should be OK.

Any fatal flaw feedback?


Thank you!!

 

[wcthunder]

:welcome: and :hide:...lol here it comes!

 

[HurstGN]

:welcome: Yea, the tires are very limited on a coupe.

 

[Long]

"Winter appropriate" tire shopping in May will make the selection a bit tougher...:stirpot:

 

[HurstGN]

With AWD, winter appropriate can be good all-season tires. The AWD setup is very good and a decent set of all-season tires gets me through winter.

 

[Long]

With AWD, winter appropriate can be good all-season tires. The AWD setup is very good and a decent set of all-season tires gets me through winter.

Really? I had no idea.

 

[Padgett]

For winter tires on a V6 CTS AWD I'd put the same size on all four. The 1/2" stagger will not affect how it drives.

 

[CaddyFred]

The wider the tire, the worse it is in snow. FWIW.

 

[Padgett]

Agree even a 225x60 with a really open tread will work.

 

[silversport]

I would look on Tirerack's website as they have their own track and actually test tires in many conditions...take a look at what tires within your tire size range (I let the engineers do the masterminding here) and price points that perform best in light snow as well as other weather conditions you are likely to encounter as well as the type of driving you want to do in your CTS

Bill

 

[Padgett]

Particularly if you scroll down on a particular tire there is a bar chart of tires rating for different conditions. Personally I look first for a "wet" rating of either over 9.0 or "excellent". Will admit a bias for BFGs (part of the Michelin group) that goes back to T/As in the '70s.

For a number of years I preferred Michelins but like Optima the cost/benefit ratio now favors BFGs and Duracell AGMs.

When in doubt, look at the tread. A more open pattern with be better in poor conditions just like a soft slick is best for dry track days.

For my cars I prefer the BFG G-force Comp-2 A/S. It is a directional tire but IMNSHO worth it. See this review.

ps the "A/S" part is important and has a UTQG of 400. This is not the plain "Comp-2" which is more of a track day tire.

 

[CaddyFred]

Look for the mountain/snowflake symbol when choosing snow capable all-season tires.

https://www.tires-easy.com/blog/mountainsnowflake-symbol/

 

[jspbtown]

Well I certainly appreciate all of the little nuggets of info. However I have been driving in the northeast for almost 40 years and am pretty familiar with tires and how to purchase them.

My specific question was about the sizing and if anyone ever used alternate sizing to get more choices for tread type and manufacturer.

I probably go through a set of tires every two years on my 4 cars so I understand them pretty well. I just am new to CTS ownership.

 

[Padgett]

And circling back I would put the same size tire on all four for inclement weather, look for an open tread pattern, and select a taller/narrower tire size to increase the contact patch load (psi). I would not go over a 235 section. There are many choices in the 225 and 235 sizes. Note that a 225/55R18 has a greater load rating than a 235/50R18.

 

[HurstGN]

I've seen 235/50-R18 & 255/45-R18 listed on the forum. I have not purchased my first set yet to know how close they are to stock and if they have any affect on the AWD setup. In theory, they shouldn't.

 

[redheadedrod]

Having driven through Michigan Winters, If you have any sort of snow fall with extended periods of cold weather I would strongly suggest a set of winter only tires.
The difference I had in my old sedan was night and day... And compared with two different types of all season tires. Was also a significant difference with the wagon using the same tires off my Sedan on the wagon in the winter. No comparison.

All season tires, especially higher mileage ones, are not really designed to be used in the cold, snowy winters of the northern states. The use of Snow/Winter tires will make a DRAMATIC difference in your traction. You can make due with all season tires, but if you do decide to go with them... The higher mileage tires are generally harder tires and will perform worse when the weather turns much colder than 30F. Go for softer rubber compounds which are generally lower mileage tires as they should perform better in the colder temps. (Blanket statements are somewhat unreliable here as it will still depend on the make and model of the tire... But generally high mileage tires are harder which will be even that much harder in the winter and not give acceptable traction.)

AWD doesn't allow you to stop and steer better... Only better traction tires can do that and nothing beats a true winter tire in winter.


Personally I am looking at going with a larger rim for my summer tires... I will get tires rated well for wet or dry weather and likely high speed rated for better performance. For winter I will use my factory rims and winter tires. That should allow me to push the performance limits in the summer while using winter specific tires for those colder, messier times.

Rodney

 

[Padgett]

Are studs still legal ? Only thing that works on ice. More than one set eliminates compromise.

 

[wcthunder]

Well I certainly appreciate all of the little nuggets of info. However I have been driving in the northeast for almost 40 years and am pretty familiar with tires and how to purchase them.

My specific question was about the sizing and if anyone ever used alternate sizing to get more choices for tread type and manufacturer.

I probably go through a set of tires every two years on my 4 cars so I understand them pretty well. I just am new to CTS ownership.

:welcome:

 

[wcthunder]

my suggestion is to buy a "beater", if you can.

 

[Padgett]

Wheels may be an issue but a 1/2" stagger makes no difference at all. Biggest issue is 5x120 with 14mm studs. Not many of those around that will clear the front calipers.

ps condition is everything, a nine year old car may well be a "beater".