Stretching a winter wheel?

[Richard_Gud.]

As idiotic as it sounds..well..who knows..maybe it isn't.

How badly would stretching a 205/40/17 on a 17x9 adversely affect a studless ice/snow tire? I mean, the smaller the width of the tire, the better when it comes to snow. So what's wrong with a bit of stretch to do so, right?

I'm sure there'd be no issues, other than the typical just checking tire pressure more often, and avoiding reckless potholes.

[LozZz]

I wouldnt mind some input on this either. I'm due for some winter tyre/rims soon

[herrakani]

I've run studless slightly stretched. Nothing bad in that.

[inNout]

I run a very slight stretch... no issue at all.
215/40/18 on 18x8.5

[Richard_Gud.]

i'm not talking a slight stretch though lol! and the other thing I'm curious about..

do winter tires stretch less?

[projektzwo]

as you know the snow tires are softer than the others, so i think that the stretch will be no problem...

[Richard_Gud.]

i'm afraid a 205 will then stretch exactly like a 205 should, and well we all know how shitty roads can get once precipitation comes along.

[bart taylor]

winter tires in socal....why?

[Typhoon248]

The side wall on a winter tire doesn't have the same resistance as a regular tire. You will be able to stretch them with out issue. I don't know if I would do it. They are super soft and flexable

[Richard_Gud.]

winter tires in socal....why?

cause we have our winters too. we have mountains. we have snow. I shred 50-60 times a season.

[firelizard]

I don't see it being an issue. Just watch your pressure as the weather changes I guess.

[C.Raynes]

Just do it. A 205-40 on a 9" isnt even that much and if the sidewalls are soft it wont even look crazy at all. And it wont effect your tires your tread is what hits the ground not your sidewalls.

[firelizard]

Yeah, because sidewalls have no impact on how a tire behaves

[C.Raynes]

Are you doing snow racing OP??? If so then do more research but if your doing it just for that added bite in the snow your fine.

[Richard_Gud.]

yup. just like the added bite and never having to use chains. I ended up deciding to not do it. whoever said 205/40 on a 9 inch wide wheel isn't much stretch needs to rethink they're perspective.

I ended up just getting falken 512s. the new ones have reinforced side walls..and they still stretched like a motha fuckah. snow tires are gonna go on my stock wheels.