Low profile tires

[beepaj]

I am thinking of switching the low profile tires that came with the vehicle to conventional tires for a softer ride..
Other than getting new wheels, do I: (1) have to go smaller? (2) what effect will it have on the car?
Low profiles don't work very well here in New England. Too much "tracking" on the roads here.

 

[novcncy]

Inner/Outer Diameters

The thing is that you have to have enough inner diameter for clearance w/brakes, etc. Since I know almost nothing about this car, except that I like it, I don't know how small you can go. You'll want to keep the outer diameter as close as possible to the OE, to avoid tire rub in the fenders but you can always have the speedometer calibrated, so keep that in mind. Given the weather impacts you're concerned about, I would try to go w/a smaller rim, if possible, so I could get taller sidewalls while minimally affecting the overall diameter of the tire. I'm not sure how that would look, but I guess that's why it's ultimately up to you. I went the opposite way on my Honda Civic, but since I was adding inside diameter, it wasn't that hard.

What size are the wheels that came w/your car? Perhaps you can sell them to someone in a less snowy climate, or keep them (maybe w/some awesome tires) for warm weather use. Let us know what you arrive at, and if you can, post some before/after pics.

 

[beepaj]

Understood. I'm leaning toward just changing brands. I have brand new Conti's on now (came with the car) but am thinking of going with Michelin Primacy MXV4. Always had good luck with Michelins.
Going to take a long weekend with the Contis on to see how they perform on mostly highway driving. Let you know.