Tallest snow tire on a 18" rim?

[sendtodb]

Bought some aftermarket 18" rims when I first got away from run flats. Now may have to start driving the car through the winters (2 teenage girls need to use my 'winter car'). Wondering if I can get snows on my 18" rims, and also wondering how much extra rubber I can get in the wheel well.

45's? 50's? Or should I really be dropping to a 17" rim? There are a lot of decent used rims in the marketplace, so if I need to go that route...

Thanks!

[danewilson77]

I wouldn't go more than 40, but I'm sure a 45 or a 50 would fit. I have a 40 sidewall.

Samsung Galaxy S5...

[Oli77]

Wouldn't 17 inch rims be cheaper for a winter setup only. That would allow you to get bigger side walls.
Also, for winter, a tire that is narrower is better.

[ryankokesh]

Yeah, I'd go with a used set of 17's... then you also don't have to deal with getting the winters mounted. They'll pay for themselves in just the tire mountings, and the 17" tires will be cheaper.

[sendtodb]

Good points! Thanks!