16 Inch wheels and tires from Tire Rack

parrothead · 07-13-2009, 05:28 AM

First of all I love my smart but the only issue I had with it is the grooves on some of the highways. The car would follow the grooves and it drove me crazy. I ended up buying the 16 inch sport wheels from Tire Rack with the Yokohama tires. The fronts are 195 45 R16 and the rears 215 40 R16. I took the car on Georgia 400 yesterday and let me tell you it is a totally different car. No more groove problems, handles better etc. It was well worth the 1000.00 spent. I now will not hesitate to take the car on a long road trip.

sato7 · 07-13-2009, 06:36 AM

pics!!!!!!

HerrZ · 07-14-2009, 08:14 PM

what about the crosswinds/drifting? have u had it up to speed (90) yet?

parrothead · 07-15-2009, 05:02 AM

I have no desire to go 90 in this thing. 75 mph down GA 400 and the groove problems are gone and it does help with the wind. It is like driving a new car. Fixing to order the cruise from Smart Madness right now and then plan a road trip.

**rfernatt** · 07-15-2009, 05:57 AM

Agreed. I did a 1,500 mile road trip on the OEM wheels/tires shortly after I got the car last year and recently I did a nearly 2,000 mile road trip on the 195/50s (15") all the way around. It is a noticeable improvement in multiple categories, especially handling and better ride over some road imperfections - less 'thwack' on small, sharp bumps up front. Strong crosswinds are still an issue, but the front end 'squirm' from following or passing semis is not as bad, IMO.

HerrZ · 07-15-2009, 07:06 PM

thanks for the convincing arguements to use on the wife. mine rubs fine at 80+ on factory rubber, but "floats" a lot. the cross drafts are another thing entirely!

NCC1701 · 07-15-2009, 09:21 PM

Just out of curiosity, I put the same set with sensors in my cart, only on 15" wheels. Only about 10% cheaper than the 16" set.

parrothead · 07-16-2009, 05:39 AM

Smart madness are the ones that suggested the 16 inch wheels and the tire sizes. I'm glad I listened to them

NukleoN · 08-01-2009, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by parrothead

Smart madness are the ones that suggested the 16 inch wheels and the tire sizes. I'm glad I listened to them

How do you mean this? I see Smart Madness (and a lot of others) selling 17" wheels for the Smart.

I think the benefit to smaller wheels would be less rolling resistance, easier acceleration (lighter wheels) but possibly less stability at speed, assuming the bigger wheels weigh more than stock (comparing aluminum to aluminum).

SmartMadness · 08-07-2009, 08:41 AM

For the best in handling and ride comfort we recommend a 16" wheel from Team Dynamics. It is a high quality, low weight wheel that is made in the UK (not China). We have them in stock and recommend them to those that want a custom wheel for the smart, but also want a nice ride.

For those that want a more aggressive look and even better handling we recommend a 17" wheel. The ride on a 17" wheel will be rougher and a 16" is a good compromise.

Here is a link to the TD wheels:

smart car wheels by Team Dynamics

smart car wheels by Team Dynamics - Black w/Machined Face

As always we offer the lowest price guarantee on these and every wheel and accessory we sell.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me directly.

Thank you,
Boris