Does tire size change require wheel change?

This may be somewhat of an elementary question for some but after reading pages and pages on this topic I am still confused.

I have a 2013 50i with M Sport/M Performance with a staggered 19" set-up --

255/50 19 (front)
285/45 19 (rear)

I am looking to do the switch from summer to winter tires but have discovered that the rear tire size essentially does not exist in winter tires. On tirerack it directs me to get all four the size of the current front tires.

Here in lies the question -- by changing the size of my rear tires do I have to get new wheels?

check the rim width range on the tire that TR recommends. as long as the width is in the range, you can use them front or rear without new rims

Why wouldn't you want to change out your wheels with dedicated snows anyway? Wouldn't that be easier than mounting/unmounting twice a year?

When changing tire sizes, always maintain a diameter that is as close as possible to the original.

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Originally Posted by Fleurkjiwi

When changing tire sizes, always maintain a diameter that is as close as possible to the original.

There are a few of these calculators out there, but here's one that allows you to play with various sizes:

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

Your goal should be to get the revs/mile (or circumference, or diameter) as close as possible.

Agree with the points about getting a dedicated wheel/tire package. As a general matter, for snow tires you want something narrower and for winter/rough roads something with a higher profile. Those two things are usually easily combined changes that can get you pretty close to the same overall circumference.

Originally Posted by Jay Arras

Why wouldn't you want to change out your wheels with dedicated snows anyway? Wouldn't that be easier than mounting/unmounting twice a year?

Agree with this... the wear and tear on the bead of both sets of tires, plus the possibility of scratching up your wheels..... and, the $150 expense, twice per year? Just buy a set of wheels for your winter tires.... plus, you might find you can go with 18" winter wheels/tires, and save even more money.....