The first number is the width in millimeters, and the second is the sidewall height as a percentage of that width. So a 235/45 has a 106 mm sidewall. If you drop to 235/30, that shrinks to about 71 mm. The rims will handle it fine since the width stays close, but it’ll affect your speedometer and gearing.
When your original 45s show 120 km/h, the 30s will actually be doing around 109 km/h. The annoying part is your odometer will climb roughly 11% faster than the real distance you’re covering.
Edit: smaller sidewalls also mean less grip and a harsher ride. The contact patch shrinks a bit, so while you’ll lose traction, you might enjoy how much easier it is to kick the rear loose if that’s your thing.
I run Michelin X-Ice Snow winter tires. They grip really well, while not being so grippy that you can't do some snowy parking lot shenanigans lol.
Michelin Platinums homerun for me! They have a great side profile similar to Pirelli but the tread is great and absolutley dead quiet and tight road performance...seen no problem in my limited off-road treks, tho longevity, highway manners and looks were my decision priorities.
Michelin Crossclimate 2 - Very good tyre
Cross Climate 2’s are quieter than the OEMs and are better in every measurable metric.
Replaced them with plenty of tread life left with the Crossclimate2’s and the drive is night and day.
I have the Defender LTX M/S in 20”. They are night and day difference in terms of noise and ride. Not as pretty to look at, but I couldn’t take the noise anymore.
I now have more miles on the Michelin Platinums than I got on the Pirelli AT, and the Michelins aren’t even close to done.
I replaced my stock tires with Michelin Defender 2’s. They seem pretty good so far (in Eastern Canada).
Michelin is the only brand that comes close and I've calculated they're roughly 30% more expensive and last me about 80% as long. I was a big Michelin fanboy and loyal to a fault.
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