What is "tire stretch?" Help me prove a couple idiots wrong

[v8a6]

I have been arguing with a couple idiots on Audizine about tire stretch.
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...x8-5-on-A6-3-0

I am saying that for a tire to be considered stretched, the tire has to be mounted on a wheel, where the width of the wheel is wider than the maximum approved width by the tire manufacturer.

For example, a 265/35/20 has an approved wheel width range of 9"-10.5 inch by the manufacturer. VVG and lx4life are saying that a 265/35/20 on his 20x10 wheel is a "moderate stretch'. I say, NO it is not a stretch. In a 35 series tire, he would have to go to a 245/35/20 (approved wheel width of 8.5-9.5") on a 20x10 before it would be considered a stretch.

This is a pic of his 20x10 with a 265/35/20


TIRE STRETCH EXPERTS (who have registered at least six months ago and have at least 200 posts)
Is this considered a tire stretch?


Next question...
Is a 255/35/20 (approved width 8.5-10.0) a tire stretch when mounted on a 20x10?





I say NO, not a stretch. The idiots say YES.

Experts, is 255/35/20 on a 20x10 a tire stretch?


Thanks in advance for settling this for us!!!

[Byron]

You are using a different definition of the term than they are. You are correct in that the tire is not "stretched" since it is within the manufacturers specs, but they are correct in that visually, the tread width is less than the width of the wheel, causing the sidewall to appear "stretched". Most people use the second definition when talking about if a tire stretches or not.

Tire measurements can vary greatly between different manufacturers as well. A 225/40 R888 will be "bubbled" on a 9" wide wheel, whereas a 225/40 Falken 512 would be visually "stretched" on the same wheel.

[oprahhwinfreyy]

I think this is a dumb argument

[v8a6]

I understand what you are saying, but I don't consider any tires within manufactured approved widths wheels to be stretched.

I value your opinion so thank you for your response. If there are more people who agree with you, then I will concede that there are two definitions of tire stretch.

Thanks!

[v8a6]

I think this is a dumb argument

LOL

Yes, you are probably right

[v8a6]

Tire measurements can vary greatly between different manufacturers as well. A 225/40 R888 will be "bubbled" on a 9" wide wheel, whereas a 225/40 Falken 512 would be visually "stretched" on the same wheel.

Which is why I dont agree with judging a tire stretch visually. The tire is considered stretched when you 'stretch" the sidewall beyond manufactured approved specs.

[Oh Damn, it's Sam]

Why does it matter?

[v8a6]

Why does it matter?

If we can resolve this dispute then I believe we will be one step closer to eternal peace on earth, for all mankind.

So yeah, it kind of matters... A LOT!

[zoo]

I think this is a dumb argument

I concur.

[SouthCarolinaGuy]

Tire stretch is going outside and worrying about something else

[Oh Damn, it's Sam]

Tire stretch is a floor wax AND an ice cream topping.

[KyleAnderson]

Two definitions, but there's only one that adds useful information.

Most tire shops (especially chains) won't stretch tires, which to them means a tire outside the recommended rim width range. No one in the business gives a shit how much a tire is visually stretched. Either the tire fits or it doesn't. To someone buying tires, what matters is whether or not they can get them installed, so this is the most relevant definition.

[BenFenner]

If the sidewall is not parallel to the wheel face and the sidewall tends to angle in, the tire is stretched regardless of manufacturers specs. Almost all OEM setups are stretched. Almost all racing setups are stretched. I tend to refer to this as "performance stretch" or "OEM stretch". Then you get into the concept of going outside manufacturer's specs which I like to call "stretched to hell". And then there is the stuff I see on this forum and other similarly oriented madness which I tend to call "stretched to hell and back".

[v8a6]

Two definitions, but there's only one that adds useful information.

Most tire shops (especially chains) won't stretch tires, which to them means a tire outside the recommended rim width range. No one in the business gives a shit how much a tire is visually stretched. Either the tire fits or it doesn't. To someone buying tires, what matters is whether or not they can get them installed, so this is the most relevant definition.

This was EXACTLY my definition, and that is what I was trying to get the others to understand. It is a useful definition, because it means that you have to take extra precautions when installing and using the tire, and find a shop that will perform the work. This visually stretched thing is a useless definition, and makes no sense.

Apparently though, most people have come to a different understanding of the term. That doesnt make it right, but I not going to try and argue with them anymore.

Thanks!

[parttimeprojectionist]

im sorry but as a master mechanic, if your going by what tire shops will or will not do to consider anything, in any context, then your as retarded as most tire shops are.

most people look at the angle of the side wall in relationship to the rim. that about as simple as it gets...to make it any more complicated is just kinda dickish haha