guggan

I'm a complete noob when it comes to wheels & tires. I just got my new bone stock 2012 xB. My question is can I put bigger (maybe 18") wheels and tires without requiring any adjustment to any other component in the car? I was reading online and it says that if you go bigger, it may throw some sensors and saftey features off. What's the deal with xB?

Thanks

Pasquale

All it will do is throw the speedometer off just a little. I've had everything from the stock 16's too 20's with no problems. I wouldn't worry.

CIONIDE

iTrader: (1)

You do need to coordinate fitment with wheel width, offset, and how much you lower the xB. If you run wheels in the 18x7 to 18x8 range with 225/40-18 tires your speedo won't even be off enough to notice. If you keep the offset in the +38 to +48 range, you can run any drop you want, and not worry about any rubbing at all (with the 225/40 tires already mentioned).

guggan

my main purpose is to reduce the gap between the tires and the fenders so that it looks a little better . Now I can do it in 2 ways. Either lower it with TRD springs and keep the stock size wheels/tires OR go with bigger 18" wheels and 215/40-18 tires. I'm not sure which option would be better. I'm not handy at all when it comes to cars. I just want to make sure it runs fins and I don't run into any 'issues'.

CIONIDE

iTrader: (1)

18" wheels with 215/40-18 tires will actually have more gap than the stock steelies and OEM 205/55-16 tires, so unless you add lowering springs to that 18" set-up you won't be closing up the gap at all.

guggan

I just learned how the tire size works and you are absolutely correct. I always thought the 18" tire will magically be taller. lol me dummy. So I guess I should probably look into lowering it then. I think the TRD springs lower it 1 inch?

OR if I dont lower it then what wheel and tire size I should go with to reduce the gap? as long as there is no rubbing or any other 'safety' issue.

xseveredveganx

If you're just trying to close that wheel gap, i'd run the NF210's and some 18x8.5 wheels with 225/40R18's. You should be fine, CIONIDE will have to confirm. Keep offsets around +35mm to +40mm.

CIONIDE

iTrader: (1)

The OEM gap is 1.5" more in the rear than the front.
TRD drop = 1.0"F/1.5"R
NF210 drop = 1.0"F/1.7"R
TRD's are a little bit stiffer, NF's a little more comfortable & even out the gap a little more.

Find wheels you like, then we'll see what offsets they are available in. Depending on width & offset, you might even be able to step up to 215/45-18 or 225/45-18 to get a little more sidewall height and close up the gap even more.

Here's the comparer to see how size will affect the tire diameter and speedo. Keep in mind the OEM wheels are 16x6.5 +45 offset, and the tires are 205/55-16. Have fun.
http://www.rimsntires.com/specs.jsp