Downsizing Wheels, Up-Sizing Sidewall Height - 2022 LX

DefaultMowed said:

Just wanted to create a thread to share my experience and seek a bit of advice as well.

Stock wheels are 215/55R17. Looking to go 215/65R16 Michelin CrossClimate 2

Looks like I'll be adding 0.7" to the overall diameter (slightly wider contact) and increasing the sidewall height by 0.8" (hopefully less vibration transmission and less road feel, for comfort). Width of tire will stay the same at 8.5" overall. Is this right?

Can anyone help provide some advice on finding a wheel based on the following?
I'm leaning toward a lightweight, but evenly-distributed wheel to avoid any potential issues with the ABS system as mentioned in this Popular Mechanics article. However, I wasn't sure if a heavier 16" wheel would help absorb more road vibration.

Does anyone have a quick reference for the 2022 Seltos LX 4 clearances?

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If you want a little extra sidewall, why not just upsize the tires a bit?
Would be a lot cheaper in the long run and a 225/55R17 will fit just fine…plus it gives you a wider choice of options including a few soft roader AT type tires.
Overall your diameter will bump up 1.5% (well within spec), give you a little more height and a little wider footprint.

For reference, your suggestion with the smaller wheel will put you up almost 3% extra on the diameter and probably a little taller than your warranty would like. So no, your overall diameter would be way out.

Hi Speedtek22, thanks for your input!

I appreciate you bringing up the question of impact to warranty, as I do not want to do anything to void the warranty.... I purchased a new car mainly for this warranty. Do you think the 2.7% increase in diameter from 26.3" to 27" would void my warranty for sure? Who would I ask/where would I look for a definitive answer? I'm planning on upgrading to softer riding struts and mounts for sure after warranty period... But felt like there is opportunity for the tire / wheel change will yield some improvement in ride quality before then.

I didn't want to go any wider than 215 because that added width increases the rolling resistance (hurts fuel economy) and decreases snow traction (less digging vs narrower tire AFAIK). Not really trying to get sporty or enhance my dry traction at all, just want to maintain this awesome fuel economy but smooth out some of this awful road vibration...

Prefer the smaller diameter due to lower cost of wheels and tires and the ability to reduce the overall increase in diameter while increasing the sidewall depth for comfort reasons.

That being said, would you recommend a different profile on a 16" wheel? Or still recommend the 17" regardless?

Speedtek22 said:

If you want a little extra sidewall, why not just upsize the tires a bit?
Would be a lot cheaper in the long run and a 225/55R17 will fit just fine…plus it gives you a wider choice of options including a few soft roader AT type tires.
Overall your diameter will bump up 1.5% (well within spec), give you a little more height and a little wider footprint.

View attachment 1544

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DefaultMowed said:

Hi Speedtek22, thanks for your input!

I appreciate you bringing up the question of impact to warranty, as I do not want to do anything to void the warranty.... I purchased a new car mainly for this warranty. Do you think the 2.7% increase in diameter from 26.3" to 27" would void my warranty for sure? Who would I ask/where would I look for a definitive answer? I'm planning on upgrading to softer riding struts and mounts for sure after warranty period... But felt like there is opportunity for the tire / wheel change will yield some improvement in ride quality before then.

I didn't want to go any wider than 215 because that added width increases the rolling resistance (hurts fuel economy) and decreases snow traction (less digging vs narrower tire AFAIK). Not really trying to get sporty or enhance my dry traction at all, just want to maintain this awesome fuel economy but smooth out some of this awful road vibration...

Prefer the smaller diameter due to lower cost of wheels and tires and the ability to reduce the overall increase in diameter while increasing the sidewall depth for comfort reasons.

That being said, would you recommend a different profile on a 16" wheel? Or still recommend the 17" regardless?

Click to expand...

You could go with a 215/60R16 which is almost half an inch taller sidewall while essentially maintaining stock diameter. (-0.4%), but I don't honestly think you will feel much difference. I'm surprised your already taller sidewall tires (compared to the 18" ones on my SX) ride so poorly for you. I went to a slightly wider and taller tire myself but the ride was actually never that bad imo and improved quite a bit with the new Bridgestone Weatherpeaks. I'm currently running a 245/45R18 (instead of a 235/45R18) and if anything my gas mileage is slightly better...
rolling resistance is also a factor of which tire you buy.

Snow traction differences between a 215 vs a 225 are going to be negligible. I honestly think the 225/55R17 would be your best bet, but it's your car...you gotta do what you feel is best for you.

As far as warranty concerns running 3%+ oversize, you would need to consult your local dealer. A taller tire will also impact your fuel mileage and odometer/speedometer readings.

Dear default. It sounds to me like you are over-thinking this whole issue. The best way to soften the ride a bit, but withough compromising anythjing important would be to take Speedtek's advise re going to the slightly wider tyre and slightly higher sidewall, (ie, the 225/55R17s), look to keep the tyres about 30-32 psi, and then just live with it. None of the other things you've suggested make good sense. Sorry, but I'm being deliberately blunt here - but it all might and up costing far more, possibly compromising your warranty, and end up being money wasted with no detectable gain. That includes messing with the shock absorbers, (ok, dampers, if you like), going for a smaller diameter wheel, (costly) and especially gear ratios, to change which is not possible. And the economy of these Seltos is pretty damned good if driven sensibly by anyone's standards. I have my 235/45/R18s around 38psi, (ie put them up to 40 when I top them up, and allow them to slowly come down to 36). The ride is still fine. Peace brother, and listen to what others have said.