Best 20" tire size for winter tires

[Loveline]

I have a set of martian 20 45/9.5 wheels I'm planning to put Michielin X-Ice on this winter. What would be the optimal tire size? Looking from what I can find it would be either 255 vs 275 and 40R vs 45R. I'm honestly not sure what would be the difference if any. I would obviously like to avoid going too big and create rubbing before I drop over a grand on tires.

 

[jcanoe]

For winter tires when driving on snow a narrower tire will dig into the snow better than a wider tire. The wider tire would tend to ride on top of the snow. You could go with the OE 255/40-20 or 255/45-20 for a slightly taller side wall. (This would increase the diameter of the tire by 1" (3.6%), the speedometer readout would be similarly be slightly lower than the actual speed by the same 3.6%.)

Tire Size Comparison

 

[Pricedm]

Tire Size Calculator

how about 19s for winter use? Like Nokian Hakkapelitta R3 SUV

 

[thesmokingman]

For those wheels stick to OE size. Generally narrower tires is best on snow and taller isn't better for road snow. When you start getting into half a foot of snow and more then its a whole different ballgame, but that's another subject.

 

[MatildaModelY]

I put on the Crossclimate 2's on a slightly larger size which is great for more rim protection and slightly more comfy ride - 255/45R20

 

[z0lt3c]

I'm also running 255/45/R20 .. Definitely recommended.

 

[annetoneyo]

I am running 255/45R20 on my Model Y and I noticed the drivers side tire is rubbing against the wheel well if you clock the wheel to the left.

Have you guys noticed any rubbing?

 

[MatildaModelY]

I am running 255/45R20 on my Model Y and I noticed the drivers side tire is rubbing against the wheel well if you clock the wheel to the left.

Have you guys noticed any rubbing?

I have the same size on a MYP. No rubbing at full lock.