I just bought a 2018 Crosstrek. It has OEM tires on 18 inch wheels. I will be doing a lot of desert travel so I want a quality tire that I can safely deflate for extended miles. I have been doing some research and to get the right kind of tire I need smaller wheels. There is a number on any tire that describes the sidewall height as a percentage of the width of the tire. The stock tires are 55, The off road tires are a 75.
So my understanding is one needs smaller wheels to accommodate the higher sidewall, else there will be rubbing issues as the tire will be to big to fit in the wheel well.
I see wheels online 17" 17.5" 16.5" etc. What size wheel do I need? If the answer is depends, what does it depend on?
Tire suggestions appreciated.
Also Am I going to need to get speedometer recalibrated? And if you have done this have you ran into any major problems? The vehicle will be lifted if that makes a difference.
