question about tires...
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Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: NY/CT
CLK 320
question about tires...
Alright, I need some advice/comments...
I'm thinking of moving into 18" tires for my CLK ('02 320), and I was thinking about something...
First off, what do you guys do about a spare? My car came with a full size non-directional in the trunk, and I assume (probably shouldn't?) that something slightly bigger would fit back there?
I mean, what do people with 18-19" setups do? Pray? Swerve around potholes? I love roadside assistance, but they won't replace a tire that cannot be fixed on the spot, so having *some* kind of spare seems like a reasonable precaution. If you're late for an interview or to catch a flight, you can even roll up your sleeves and be done with it in 10 minutes... if you have a spare.
One of those quick flat-fixer-uppers (a bottle of gunk and a pump) would probably help in a bind, but I've had the pleasure of taking one of these out of my tire once (the nail, not the quarter
):
All of the gunk in the world wasn't gonna fix the holes that badboy made...
So what's the general concensus? Fork over for a BS tire on a BS rim and put it in the trunk or what?
I'm thinking of moving into 18" tires for my CLK ('02 320), and I was thinking about something...
First off, what do you guys do about a spare? My car came with a full size non-directional in the trunk, and I assume (probably shouldn't?) that something slightly bigger would fit back there?
I mean, what do people with 18-19" setups do? Pray? Swerve around potholes? I love roadside assistance, but they won't replace a tire that cannot be fixed on the spot, so having *some* kind of spare seems like a reasonable precaution. If you're late for an interview or to catch a flight, you can even roll up your sleeves and be done with it in 10 minutes... if you have a spare.
One of those quick flat-fixer-uppers (a bottle of gunk and a pump) would probably help in a bind, but I've had the pleasure of taking one of these out of my tire once (the nail, not the quarter
):All of the gunk in the world wasn't gonna fix the holes that badboy made...
So what's the general concensus? Fork over for a BS tire on a BS rim and put it in the trunk or what?
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From: Hell
EFF YOU JACKIE
Originally Posted by viguera
Alright, I need some advice/comments...
I'm thinking of moving into 18" tires for my CLK ('02 320), and I was thinking about something...
First off, what do you guys do about a spare? My car came with a full size non-directional in the trunk, and I assume (probably shouldn't?) that something slightly bigger would fit back there?
I mean, what do people with 18-19" setups do? Pray? Swerve around potholes? I love roadside assistance, but they won't replace a tire that cannot be fixed on the spot, so having *some* kind of spare seems like a reasonable precaution. If you're late for an interview or to catch a flight, you can even roll up your sleeves and be done with it in 10 minutes... if you have a spare.
One of those quick flat-fixer-uppers (a bottle of gunk and a pump) would probably help in a bind, but I've had the pleasure of taking one of these out of my tire once (the nail, not the quarter):
All of the gunk in the world wasn't gonna fix the holes that badboy made...
So what's the general concensus? Fork over for a BS tire on a BS rim and put it in the trunk or what?
I'm thinking of moving into 18" tires for my CLK ('02 320), and I was thinking about something...
First off, what do you guys do about a spare? My car came with a full size non-directional in the trunk, and I assume (probably shouldn't?) that something slightly bigger would fit back there?
I mean, what do people with 18-19" setups do? Pray? Swerve around potholes? I love roadside assistance, but they won't replace a tire that cannot be fixed on the spot, so having *some* kind of spare seems like a reasonable precaution. If you're late for an interview or to catch a flight, you can even roll up your sleeves and be done with it in 10 minutes... if you have a spare.
One of those quick flat-fixer-uppers (a bottle of gunk and a pump) would probably help in a bind, but I've had the pleasure of taking one of these out of my tire once (the nail, not the quarter
):All of the gunk in the world wasn't gonna fix the holes that badboy made...
So what's the general concensus? Fork over for a BS tire on a BS rim and put it in the trunk or what?
Again it is all a matter of preference. How YOU drive your car.
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GL320CDI / C63 Edition 507 Coupe (EDP) / E63 S (on order) / G500 / Smart Brabus
Originally Posted by viguera
Alright, I need some advice/comments...
I'm thinking of moving into 18" tires for my CLK ('02 320), and I was thinking about something...
First off, what do you guys do about a spare? My car came with a full size non-directional in the trunk, and I assume (probably shouldn't?) that something slightly bigger would fit back there?
I'm thinking of moving into 18" tires for my CLK ('02 320), and I was thinking about something...
First off, what do you guys do about a spare? My car came with a full size non-directional in the trunk, and I assume (probably shouldn't?) that something slightly bigger would fit back there?
Thus, the original spare, being close to the same overall diameter, can be used to get you where you are going.
You only start to have serious problems when the tire diameters vary too much.
On my CLK, the spare is a 215 width... a 225 width doesn't fit well into the trunk space, and the rear 245 width is definitely too wide. But the diameters are close so they at least sit into the space.
The standard upgrade sizes (225/255 on 18" and 235/265 on 19") are about the same diameter.
-s-
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From: NY/CT
CLK 320
Originally Posted by scorchie
If you go to 18" or 19" wheels (or 17" or whatever), the overall diameter of the tire should remain close to original.
Thus, the original spare, being close to the same overall diameter, can be used to get you where you are going.
You only start to have serious problems when the tire diameters vary too much.
Thus, the original spare, being close to the same overall diameter, can be used to get you where you are going.
You only start to have serious problems when the tire diameters vary too much.
Originally Posted by scorchie
On my CLK, the spare is a 215 width... a 225 width doesn't fit well into the trunk space, and the rear 245 width is definitely too wide. But the diameters are close so they at least sit into the space.
The standard upgrade sizes (225/255 on 18" and 235/265 on 19") are about the same diameter.
-s-
The standard upgrade sizes (225/255 on 18" and 235/265 on 19") are about the same diameter.
-s-
Thanks a lot for clearing that out for me scorchie -- along with everyone else that posted.
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From: Seattle
05 E55
I think your other questions were addressed above, but just to reiterate, upgrading your tire/rim package, if done correctly, should maintain the overall wheel/tire diameter of the original. So, a spare will not affect your ride dramatically and should just be temporary until you get your tire patched or replaced.
Also, and YES, when going a plus one or plus two upgrade, you will need to change your driving style. There are no two ways about it. If you want to look good or perform better, that is the trade-off. I’ve had 18’s on my Maxima for 5 years now and I’ve gone though 2.5 sets of new rims….because there are some potholes and bumps that you just can’t escape. And yes, it gets expensive, but DAMN, does it look good.
Also, and YES, when going a plus one or plus two upgrade, you will need to change your driving style. There are no two ways about it. If you want to look good or perform better, that is the trade-off. I’ve had 18’s on my Maxima for 5 years now and I’ve gone though 2.5 sets of new rims….because there are some potholes and bumps that you just can’t escape. And yes, it gets expensive, but DAMN, does it look good.
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: NY/CT
CLK 320
Originally Posted by str8ridin
I think your other questions were addressed above, but just to reiterate, upgrading your tire/rim package, if done correctly, should maintain the overall wheel/tire diameter of the original. So, a spare will not affect your ride dramatically and should just be temporary until you get your tire patched or replaced.
Speaking of patched or replaced, I wasn't sold on tire warranties but I got it anyway (from Town Fair Tire)... and since then twice I've had tires that needed complete replacement after blowing out. Some of the best money I've ever spent...
Originally Posted by str8ridin
Also, and YES, when going a plus one or plus two upgrade, you will need to change your driving style. There are no two ways about it. If you want to look good or perform better, that is the trade-off. I’ve had 18’s on my Maxima for 5 years now and I’ve gone though 2.5 sets of new rims….because there are some potholes and bumps that you just can’t escape. And yes, it gets expensive, but DAMN, does it look good.
I can live with a busted tire every now and then... it's a bent rim that scares me.
