I currently have 2 sets of rims, 1 set is 245 50 16, the other 275 40 17. I need all season replacements. could anyone recommend good replacements under 450? I had a good experience with Hankook Venus and see a set of 4 for 380 New free shipping on eBay. should I do an arrangement such as getting all seasons for the 17s and winter tires for the 16s? if so, what are your suggestions for that setup?

 

the smaller rims would be better for winter tires. you would want the winter tires to be skinnier too.

 

can 275 45 17 clear the wheel well?

 

what size do you recommend for the smaller rims for winter tires?

 

After doing the compromise all season tires for a year round DD that sees snow & salt, I am convinced that summer tires and separate winter tires are the only way I want to go for best performance year-round.

For my RS:
Summer BFG g-Force Sport COMP-2 275/40 ZR17 tires.
Winter tires still TBD, but I am getting some non chrome wheels, and narrower. Something like a 215/60/16 or 225/55/17...

 

I have 215 60 16 on my 88Taurus, that did cut through the snow like nothing. I see some Hankook all season 275 45 17 on eBay, think I might settle on that for now, and keep looking for winters. will this size clear the well since its 45 and not 40?

 

^ Why would you want taller sidewalls than stock SS 17" tires? You are just hurting handling. Also get the highest speed rating you can -- it's not just about speed, but handling benefits you especially care about. Prefer W or even Y if the option is available.

Tire Speed Rating - Discount Tire

If you phone a shop like Discount Tire, they have a lookup to tell you what sizes all fit w/out issues. There are some online guides too…

This just helps with computations, nothing vehicle specific:
Tire Dimensions Made Simple - Discount Tire

 

no special reason as to why the higher sidewall, thats what I saw online at the best price. I picked up 4 Michelin 215 60 16 winter tires with 7-32 left on them for 100 bucks. at this point im going to shop around for all seasons for 275 40 17s.

 

^ If you have winter tires, get summer tires for your other set -- thank me later, all season tires suck overall, too much compromise is what I have experienced...

 

Had real good luck with the Nexen N7000 series tires that came on my wagon. I was running a stock Impala SS wheel with a 275-40-17 tire of theirs on all 4 corners. Wore well, handled well, & no noise! Had about 30K of my own miles on them & they still have about 40% tread left.