I was surprised when I called TireRack today to order some new tires. I had spent quite some time researching what I wanted (Bridgestone Potenza RE730, in case you really wanted to know), checking specs to ensure that I wasn't reducing the front-to-rear tread contact patch ratio. It was obvious (to me, anyways) that I needed 205/55-16 fronts and 245/45-16 rears, regardless of what tire I bought since the S02s have a ~1.5" difference in width.

So, anyways, I called "Gary" and he told me that they only recommend the original sizes - 205 front, 225 rear. When I expressed concern and amazement, he listened, wouldn't change his tune and told me that he'd sell me any size I wanted. Humph.

Anyone else getting this informatin from TireRack? I've been a customer for nearly as long as they've been mail-order but this seems to be a big mistake on their part. I'm not dissatisfied but I wish they'd reconsider...

 

Jeff, call back and talk to Connor. He may tell you the same thing, but he's been through the song and dance with me over S2000 tires ad nauseum, so he knows the tires for this car well.

I suspect they stick to their recommendations because of complaints and/or returns, but that's only speculation.

Let us know what you find out!

 

I just bought a set of RE730's in exactly the size you want (205/55 front and 245/45 rear) from the Tire Rack. I didn't even ask for their advice and they didn't say a thing. IMHO, that size combo fits fine and rides great...in spite of the fact that I may have totaled the car this weekend. But, that is alltogether another story.

 

johnyboy32,

Those are great sizes for RE730's.

Just order them bro...

 

They are trained to sell OEM sizes. Asking them for advice is not really fair to them or you. IMO you are better off researching options here where there is a lot of experience with the car and many different tires, and then just ordering without worrying about their 'expert' advice.

 

As the company has gotten bigger, the advice has gotten more generic and more suspect. Guess that's to be expected.

They told me (condescendingly I might add) that my AVS Sports wouldn't fit in rear 245-45 size.

If you want to order an unusual size, you have to call. If web ordering, they won't release your order until they talk with you. Another size pain I suppose.

 

Just talked to Connor at TireRack. His statement was that it's corporate policy to follow the manufacturer's sizing. This means that 205/225 is all that they will recommend since that's all that Honda recommends. The fact that Honda also insists on the OEM S02s negates the need to worry about whether other models/brands have differing widths.

So, if you call them, you'll get the company line - 205/225. You can order other sizes but they'll tell you that there's no exchanges - the tires are yours if they rub or otherwise don't fit. Given the amount of energy that's gone into documenting real widths and specs, you're still best advised (by me, anyways) to retain the *STOCK FRONT-TO-REAR TREAD WIDTH RATIO* instead of exact sizes. Just verify the specs to ensure that you aren't putting on a taller and/or wider tire without knowing whether it actually fits properly...