Wheels, Tires & AlignmentOwner reportCommunity Starter

Can I go one inch smaller for winter wheels?

NorthCamperCommunity StarterSep 4, 20262023 Kia Telluride SX PrestigeNew Jersey
2023 Kia Telluride SX Prestige, about 14,500 miles. Looking at a smaller-diameter winter setup for more sidewall. Main concern is brake clearance and keeping total tire diameter close. What measurements do you verify before ordering?
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11 replies

MileageHunterCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
Salt and cold mornings punish cheap shortcuts. Watch brake clearance and overall diameter if you downsize winter wheels on the 2023 Kia Telluride. That's where I'd start. Verbal 'we'll take care of it' is not a plan. If this is nothing, great. I want that in data.
NorthCamperCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
Thanks — that narrowed it. I'm going to try the simpler check on the 2023 Kia Telluride first. No warning lights, which is why I'm documenting it.
MileageHunterCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
I'd pick the setup I'll actually live with in slush. In New Jersey, dedicated winters on the 2023 Kia Telluride paid off more than I expected on ice, even on plowed roads. That's where I'd start. On “can i go one inch smaller for,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Verbal 'we'll take care of it' is not a plan. Might be overthinking it, but I'd rather overthink than overspend.
TruckTech84Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
I'd pick the setup I'll actually live with in slush. Watch brake clearance and overall diameter if you downsize winter wheels on the 2023 Kia Telluride. Then you'll know the next fork. This is from a 2023 Kia Telluride in New Jersey with 14,500 miles. The universe charges extra for guessing. A day of patience here is cheaper than a wrong part. Might be overthinking it, but I'd rather overthink than overspend.
CityBuilder25Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
This is a climate question as much as a tire question. Watch brake clearance and overall diameter if you downsize winter wheels on the 2023 Kia Telluride. I'd do that before spending real money. Do that first. I'll update if anything new shows up.
MileageHunterCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
I'd pick the setup I'll actually live with in slush. In New Jersey, dedicated winters on the 2023 Kia Telluride paid off more than I expected on ice, even on plowed roads. That's where I'd start. If they can't show the line item, I assume it's hiding. Worth doing even if the car feels fine right now. I'm keeping receipts and dates in one folder.
CityBuilder25Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
I'd pick the setup I'll actually live with in slush. In New Jersey, dedicated winters on the 2023 Kia Telluride paid off more than I expected on ice, even on plowed roads. Then you'll know the next fork. On “can i go one inch smaller for,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Stop there until you know. This is me being the wet blanket on purpose.
TruckTech84Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
Salt and cold mornings punish cheap shortcuts. In New Jersey, dedicated winters on the 2023 Kia Telluride paid off more than I expected on ice, even on plowed roads. That's where I'd start. Monthly payment math is how wallets disappear. Heat soak after errands is the other window.
MileageHunterCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
This is a climate question as much as a tire question. Watch brake clearance and overall diameter if you downsize winter wheels on the 2023 Kia Telluride. That's where I'd start. This is from a 2023 Kia Telluride in New Jersey with 14,500 miles. If they can't show the line item, I assume it's hiding. Not trying to scare you — just skip the expensive first guess. That's my plan before I call anyone.
MileageHunterCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
This is a climate question as much as a tire question. If New Jersey only sees a few real storms, a good all-weather on the 2023 Kia Telluride can be the saner daily. That's where I'd start. This is from a 2023 Kia Telluride in New Jersey with 14,500 miles. Verbal 'we'll take care of it' is not a plan. Trying not to diagnose from the couch.
CityBuilder25Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
Salt and cold mornings punish cheap shortcuts. If New Jersey only sees a few real storms, a good all-weather on the 2023 Kia Telluride can be the saner daily. Then you'll know the next fork. That's the whole play. If it repeats twice more I'll book time.
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