How important are wide wheels for handling?

Standard alloys on a newage (sti) are 17x7.5, and I bought some new Inovits (a while ago now) which were only 17x7. My own fault as I didn't spec them properly to be honest.

I'm still running the standard tyre size which is 225/45/17.

How much does the thinner wheel affect handling?

Would it be a crap idea running 235/45 tyres on 17x7 alloys, or should I go for a wider wheel if I was going to do that? I understand ideally I should get the widest wheel possible, but if I were to stick with the 17x7 wheel, what would be the max width of tyre I could run to help with handling?

 

Wider (and decent grippy tyres) will improve grip, doesnt mean it will improve your handling, but then you have the down side of more friction, so slows your car down a bit more, meaning you need more power vicious circle

Tony

 

This website says the widest tyre on a 7" width wheel is 225, i guess it would be dangerous or not work otherwise:

http://www.tyres-pneus-online.co.uk/...es-advice.html

What was the ET of your old wheel and what's the ET of your new wheel? You may have lost track width?.
If the ET is the same or lower you will have the same track width or and increased track width which is always good, more stability and grip i believe.
As you have the same tyre width and considering the ET is the same or lower i don't see it effecting you, if not i would imagine it's only miner.

Thanks
Sam

 

I see, thanks for the answers

I'm not 100% on the ET to be honest mate. I rushed in to buying the new one really so didn't check things.

 

There's a lot more to just choosing and buying a wheel ay! Ha

Thanks
Sam

 

lol, yeah. I knew the ones I wanted so just bought them without thinking.

I do fancy 18's next anyway, so will do that properly!! lol

 

225's work well on a 7" rim, my T1R's went onto a pals WRX...

IMHO you should aim for an 8" rim with a 235 section tyre, mine give a definite increase in grip.

HTH

dunx