Can I replace my 245/50/16 rims and tires with 255/40/17?

Question

Will it change my overall tire circumference?

The new tires will be slightly wider I think, what does that affect?

Will comfort be reduced since there is more rim and less tire?

Answer 1

yes well u need to know that no matter what size of tires the bigger u go with rims the more your car will be affected at the time of driving,it has a lot to do with the brand of tires u get as well but since u are ony going one size bigger i wouldnt be a lot of difference also depends on the type of rims u are getting for ur car if they are cheap ones,3 piece racing etc.

Answer 2

Best method I've found is this online resource. Go to tires.com this is the website for discount tire.  

Enter the info for your car make model trim line, it will list the stock tire, click on the option for plus size setups, these setups are guaranteed to give you upgraded size rims without affecting the overall diameter of the setup.  And the second part of your question, yes bigger rims will affect ride quality however they will in most cases improve handling.  Don't go overboard though, personally I wouldn't go more than +2.

Answer 3

because the rim diameter is different, i will assume that the tire height is different, the 17s would stand a little taller, so yes this would effect your speedometer, your fuel economy, engine load, and more after that.  

Answer 4

you will have to make sure they fit into your arches ok on full lock etc and at the rear it clears when going over bumps, it will be a harsher ride, easier to puncture and will be on your speedo Speedo reads 70mph your actual speed will be 68 mph