First question what do the damn numbers and letters on tires mean. I did a search on the forum and found some stuff but can someone please explain it in a simple way.

Now to my issue, I just got my snow tires put on (Pirelli 210 Snowsport 225/45 R 17 91H)

They seem to be narrower than my rims!?!?
Is this going to be a problem?

My stock goodyears (235/45 R 17 94H) came almost flat inline with the end of the rims how come these dont?

Just as a side note, I got the tires free from the dealer so i really didnt have a choice on what I would get.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/101767/dsc04601.jpg">
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/101767/dsc04602.jpg">
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/101767/dsc04606.jpg">

the middle number is the height of the sidewall in millimeters and of course the last number is the size of the wheel.

Free or not, that looks like ass.

<ul><li><a href="http://auto.howstuffworks.com/tire2.htm">http://auto.howstuffworks.com/tire2.htm</a</li></ul>

The first number is the width of the tire in millimeters. This tire is 22.5 cm or 225 mm wide.

The second number is called the 'aspect ratio." It is the height of the tire's sidewall as it relates to the width. This tire is .45 * 22.5cm or 10.13cm in sidewall height.

The "R" indicates that it is a radial tire. (Can anyone buy a bias-ply tire anymore? BWT, technically, this is a P225/45R17, the "P" meaning "pneumatic." (Solid tires, anyone?)

The 17 indicates the rim diameter.

After this will be the load rating, usually something like 94H.

Sometimes the R is paired with a speed rating, like 225/45ZR17. "Z" would be the speed rating. (anyone remember when "H" rated tires were all the rage?)


The tire probably looks a little weird becuase it is a 225 vs. the 235 summer tire that came off. It is not unusual to go "-1" on a winter tire, as narrower tires offer better traction in snow.

Been using them since mid November and no issues

Yeah, I know, I run 215.

If we do get a dump, you will wish you had Nokian RSi snows.

The feature you are looking for is a rim-guard, with the shape of the tire protruding a bit. Saves scraping the rims on the curves.<ul><li><a href="http://www.nokiantyres.com/passengercars_product_en?product=610499&amp;name=NOKIA N+HAKKAPELIITTA+RSi#">RSI rim-guard</a></li></ul>

Im probably gonna keep them on, just cause they free and the car is a lease (still dont know if im gonna keep it tho). Im gonna try to get a piece of rubber stuck on to it or something just to act like the nokian rim guard.

If you did manage to somehow "get a piece of rubber stuck on to it" you'd throw your wheels out of balance and feel a shimmy or vibration when you drive.
MikeyMo's advice is good. It is not uncommon to go with a thinner tire size for snows.

Just watch where you park and avoid hitting curbs.