New Tyres

[R32Abuser]

Im in the market for a new set of fronts as my previous set have worn down to the radials on the insides. Wheel alignment is as per Sydneykid's directions. But iv hit a dillema between cost and looks.

Now the tyre i had on there was a 235-40-R17, which was quite fine. Only complaint i would have is maybe that it didnt make the rim look quite as big as id hope as the tyre generally sits more squarer. But now that i have to replace them iv hit a snag. Previous tyre was a Kuhmo ecsta. On the rears i have Hankook K104's which iv been happy with

Do i go with the same tyre as i have on the rears but on the front and the same profile etc etc. Or do i go with a better tyre but say with a 45 profile instead so that i save money on the profile to get a little bit better rubber. In addition to that, should i go with a higher profile, but smaller tyre (say 225) so that it stretches to minimise the "squarer" look, or even keep the 40 profile but get a 225 to give it a less squarer look?

What would be the best option to reduce this sqaurer look, but also maintain as much striaghtline and cornering grip as possible...Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[neil_se]

What width wheel?

[R32Abuser]

not actually 100% sure, but with 235 on the front atm it sits pretty square (the sidewalls) so im guessing its about an 8.0 or 8.5 inch rim.

[nisskid]

to be honest im having a hard time understanding what exactly ur after, but if ur after a more stretched look go a thinner tire, u want the tire to be smaller on the rim get a lower profile, both of which will probably affect handling negatively. for a 8" rim which i assume it is, to get a stretched look go maybe a 205/45 or 215/45 tire, or if u want go to down in profile get maybe a 205/40 or 215/40.

[neil_se]

I'd stick with 45 profile for anything under 235 width or it'll look like the wheel/tyre is very undersized and doesn't fill the guard properly. My current set of rims came with 215/40/17 tyres and they looked tiny compared with when i swapped them for 215/45/17.

[nisskid]

yeh true, as well as u make the wheel look bigger with lower profile, u make the car look higher.