2016 WRX Premium Tire Size Overview
When it comes to the 2016 WRX Premium, understanding the tire size is crucial for performance, safety, and overall driving experience. The WRX is known for its sporty handling and all-wheel-drive capabilities, and the right tires can make a world of difference. Let’s dive into the stock tire sizes for the different trims of the 2016 WRX.
Stock Tire Sizes by Trim
The 2016 WRX comes in several different trims, each with its own specifications. Here’s a breakdown of the stock tire sizes:
| Trim Level | Front Tire Size | Rear Tire Size | Wheel Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| WRX Premium | 245/40R18 | 245/40R18 | 18 x 8.0 inches |
| WRX Base | 245/40R18 | 245/40R18 | 18 x 8.0 inches |
| WRX Limited | 245/40R18 | 245/40R18 | 18 x 8.0 inches |
Understanding the Tire Size
The tire size of 245/40R18 gives you important information:
- 245 – This number represents the width of the tire in millimeters. A wider tire typically provides better grip and stability.
- 40 – This is the aspect ratio, which is the height of the sidewall as a percentage of the width. A lower number means a shorter sidewall, which can enhance handling but may result in a harsher ride.
- R – This indicates that the tire is of radial construction, which is standard for modern tires.
- 18 – This is the diameter of the wheel in inches that the tire is designed to fit. Make sure to stick with this size to maintain performance and safety.
Why Tire Size Matters
Choosing the right tire size is not just about aesthetics. It affects several key aspects of your driving experience:
- Handling: The 245 width provides a solid contact patch with the road, enhancing cornering and stability.
- Ride Comfort: The 40 aspect ratio strikes a balance between sporty handling and ride comfort, making it suitable for daily driving.
- Safety: Using the stock tire size ensures that your vehicle’s handling characteristics remain as intended by the manufacturer. Deviating from this can lead to unpredictable behavior on the road.
In summary, the stock tire size for the 2016 WRX Premium is 245/40R18 for both the front and rear tires across all trims. This size is designed to optimize performance while maintaining a level of comfort suitable for everyday driving. Be sure to keep this information in mind when considering tire replacements or upgrades.
Smallest and Biggest Tire Sizes for the 2016 WRX Premium
When it comes to the 2016 WRX Premium, selecting the right tire size is essential for performance, handling, and comfort. While the stock tire size is 245/40R18, many owners often wonder about the smallest and largest tire sizes they can fit on their vehicles without compromising performance or safety. Let’s dig into the options based on owner feedback and forum discussions.
Stock Tire Size: A Quick Recap
As mentioned earlier, the stock tire size for the 2016 WRX Premium is:
- Front Tire Size: 245/40R18
- Rear Tire Size: 245/40R18
- Wheel Size: 18 x 8.0 inches
This size strikes a balance between grip and ride comfort, making it a popular choice among WRX enthusiasts.
Smallest Tire Size Options
If you are considering smaller tire sizes for reasons like improved ride comfort or a softer sidewall, here are some options that have been discussed in various forums:
- 235/40R18: This size is often recommended for those looking for a slightly narrower tire. It can enhance ride comfort while still providing decent grip. However, be aware that it may affect handling characteristics slightly.
- 225/40R18: Going even smaller, this size can offer a softer ride but may compromise cornering stability. Some owners have reported improved comfort for daily driving, but it’s not ideal for aggressive driving or track days.
Biggest Tire Size Options
On the flip side, if you are looking to increase grip and improve handling, you might consider going larger. Here are some popular larger tire sizes:
- 255/35R18: This size is a common upgrade among WRX owners who want more grip. It provides a wider contact patch, enhancing cornering performance. However, it may slightly alter the speedometer reading and could lead to rubbing issues if not paired with the right suspension setup.
- 265/35R18: For those seeking maximum grip, this size can be an option. Many owners have reported excellent performance on both the street and the track. However, be cautious as this size may require modifications to avoid rubbing, especially during aggressive cornering.
Best Tires Based on Owner Feedback
Choosing the right tire isn’t just about size; the type and brand of tire also matter. Here are some of the best tires recommended by WRX owners on various forums:
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4S: Known for its exceptional grip and handling, this tire is a favorite among performance enthusiasts. It works well in both wet and dry conditions, making it a versatile choice.
- Continental ExtremeContact DWS06: This all-season tire is praised for its balance between performance and comfort. It offers solid grip and is suitable for various weather conditions.
- Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R: If you’re looking for a tire that excels on the track, this is it. Owners rave about its cornering capabilities and dry grip, but it may wear out faster than other options.
- Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3: This tire is known for its responsive handling and excellent wet grip. It’s a solid choice for those who want a performance tire that can handle daily driving.
Considerations When Changing Tire Sizes
Before you decide to swap out your tires for different sizes, keep these points in mind:
- Speedometer Calibration: Changing tire sizes can affect your speedometer reading. Larger tires will make your speedometer read lower than your actual speed, while smaller tires will do the opposite.
- Handling Characteristics: Smaller tires may lead to a softer ride but can compromise handling. Larger tires improve grip but may make the ride harsher.
- Rubbing Issues: Ensure that any larger tires you choose do not rub against your car’s fenders or suspension components, especially during turns.
- Insurance and Warranty: Check with your insurance provider and vehicle warranty to ensure that changing tire sizes will not void any coverage.
In summary, while the stock tire size for the 2016 WRX Premium is 245/40R18, there are various smaller and larger options available based on your driving needs. Whether you prioritize comfort or performance, make sure to choose a tire that fits your driving style and vehicle specifications.