hey all .. im looking to get new tires for my xb... i know a lot of people post about tires and im sorry if these particular ones have been mentioned... anyway, i live in omaha nebraska and we get snow there, so i have to stick with something all season, but i also want something that greatly improves the handling and has a long tread life. .. so the tire i found is the BFGoodrich traction T/A radial 215/45 17"...prob h speed rated.. they also come in v speed rated but i really dont know much about speed rating so direction on that might be nice.... but anyway, the reason for the post was to see if anyone has these tires and if you like them or not, also is that a good size to put on?

 

Haven't tried that tire. 215/40R17 would be a better size though

 

The correct 17" fitments for your vehicle are 205/45R17 and 215/40R17, 215/45R17 may be a bit too tall. Unfortunately, the B.F. Goodrich Traction T/A's are not available in either of the approved sizes. If you would like to review the tires available for your vehicle in the correct fitment size, please visit our site at the link provided below.

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Moderator www.scionlife.com To place an order please call 877 522 8473 Ext. 627 or for internet orders through www.tirerack.com, please mention my name in the previous contact field directly above the Place Order button on the Order Summary page for quick, efficient & professional service.

 

215/45R17 does fit, and there are many here who are running that size with no problems. At worst there is a minimal amount of rubbing at full turn on the plastic inner fender well. I have over 4K miles on my Nankangs NS-1s (215/45R17s) with no problems or gripes at all. They handle rain very well, and i will see how they fair in the winter, but over all, as of now, i like these tires.

BFG makes a great tire. I have sold many a Radial TA and Comp TA in my day. I even had a few sets on my past vehicles. For an all around touring tire, i think BFG cant be beat. For performance, i would lean more towards the imports ( Yokohama would be my first choice, a bit pricey but a great tire. Very sticky, and quiet to boot. ) Like i said, i have the Nankangs, and hve no gripes about them.

 

I am running the BFG Radial TA and like them a lot. Like CBSIMONSEZ mentioned they are not street racing tires, but are good for all around functionality. I got um because they have raised white lettering and thats the look I was going for (not sure if the Traction TA come this way). Anyway, I have 205/60/15 which have a diameter of 24.7 and have no problems. 215/45/17 have almost exactly the same diameter (24.6) so you should be ok as far as height goes. Not sure about your height/tire width combo as mine works, but is not as wide as what you are considering. One thing to keep in mind is if you are going to lower your car. I have adjustable springs so I was able to adjust the height until things worked out.

 

hey all thanks so much for the replys... i know that the tire size isnt recomended but i was thinking maybe it would still work... for those of you with that size... do they rub that much?....also i was looking for the functional, all around feel, i didnt want sport tires, just mostly for better handling and good all around grip(all-weather). thanks again all

 

I just turned 4K on my xB with the 215/45s, and the rubbing has all but gone. I had the rubbing issue when i first installed the wheels, and had to cut a small section off the plastic from the bottom ( small being about 2 inches long by 1 inch wide ). I was still having minimal rubbing issues at full turn. but now that is all in the past. I like the 45 series tire, it gives me piece of mind, knowing i have a little bigger sidewall to protect me against the roads here in NJ. Oh, and everytime i have passed a speed trap that postes your speed, it always matches my speedo, so i dont think the larger size has affected the speedo much either.

 

thanks CBSIMONSEZ, another consern i had was the odo reading, so that helps to hear that it doesnt mess that up, i think after hearing all the post im going to stick with that size, sounds like the good far outways the bad. Anyone had any experience with light snow and these tires?

 

No snow here as of yet. The traction rating of the Nankangs are an A ( being the best ). If your in a part of the country that gets snow, you know there are really no true snow tire unless you purchase just that, a snow tire. As long as you take your time, and not drive like Richard Petty when the white crap is on the ground, you should be alright with any tire with an A rating or better. JMO