50 Aspect Tires on OEM 21" Wheels

[kurtlikevonnegut]

I have seen discussion of dropping to a 50 aspect tire on the OEM 21" wheels in several different places (instead of the OEM 55 aspect) since there are several options in this size that are likely better than the OEM Pirelli tires. Has anyone actually done this yet? If so, where did you get it done and have there been any issues that are noticeable?

My tires are about at EOL currently with about 20k miles on them and I am strongly considering going with the Michelin Defender M/S in 275/50/R21 to replace them soon. Obviously this will throw off the speedometer and odometer slightly, as well as ground clearance but I don't anticipate those things having a significant effect.

Curious to hear what results people have had if they have done this yet.

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[trmaier]

I'm in the same boat. I'll be eager to see opinions on this!

 

[sub]

I have been pondering this as well - but from the perspective of finding tires with better grip and handling. Specifically, I have been looking at the MICHELIN PILOT SPORT 4S 285/40R23 or 325/35R23 which would be roughly the same overall diameter as 275/50R21.

I think the 1/2" lower ride height will improve efficiency but that the gain would be offset by lower efficiency from tires that are not made of ev-specific low rolling resistant rubber.

Speedometer error would be in the 2-3 MPH range, and that would be on top of the 1-2 MPH that it is low on the factory tires. With those two errors combined, I think that would be enough to be annoying, but it might help you avoid speeding tickets.

The reduced gearing from a smaller tire should help 0-60 times, but it may hurt acceleration when passing at speeds.

 

[LL75]

Also want know know this as well. I don't think anyone here had done this yet.

 

[Leo21]

Hi, i was debating this for a while.
decided to go with Continental extremecontact dws 06 plus, 295/40ZR21.
my wife have them on her model X, outstanding tire.
will update how it worked.

 

[Operator]

Biggest issue you will have is tire shops refusing to install because they don't match manufacturers specifications. Also the weight rating is slightly less.

 

[Leo21]

Thanks.
went to Mavis today, manager said NP, bring it well install/balance.
tmrw, will update.

 

[Leo21]

i think it came out better than i expected.

 

[shap]

Looks perfect - so you used 295/40ZR21?

https://shorturl.at/fiRSZ

Any issues with rubber on any heights/turns?

 

[kurtlikevonnegut]

i think it came out better than i expected.

Any issues with full articulation of the steering wheel with a tire that's that much wider than OEM?

 

[Leo21]

Thanks, yes 295/40R21 added pic of tire size.

 

[Leo21]

lowest setting full tilt...clear on all sides.

 

[HaveBlue]

Nice job with the Conti's! I'll bet it accelerates even quicker now.

There's an SUV version of the Pilot Sport in case the regular Pilot Sport 4S doesn't have the load capacity. Count on about 25K miles with the 4S. They are very soft with a 250 tread wear or something. They ride very quiet as well due to the soft compound. I switched to the Pilot All Season on my Audi 265/35/20 which has double the life but does have a noticeably harsher compound.

 

[Arky]

Anyone have any luck getting Rivian to calibrate for like a 32" tire? I have the 20s and there seems to be far more options in 275/55/R20 than there are in 275/60/R20 which is what we would need to meet the size of the OE 21". Especially if you want to match speed rating.

I don't mind the speedo being off a bit but I hate the idea of racking up more miles on the odo than I actually am because I couldn't fix the tire size. Throws range calculations out of whack a bit too.

 

[shap]

Thanks, yes 295/40R21 added pic of tire size.

Quick question on this - so 295/40R21 is about 30.1" diameter, instead of 33" stock. aka 10% difference. So did you calibrate the car for this size somehow, or you just accepted speedometer be 10% off?

And the second question about sensors and highway assist - are they functioning normal?

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