Looking for high-performance tires in 245/45R17 or 305/45R17 from Mickey Thompson and compatible brands? This guide highlights five top options and explains who each tire is best for. These picks balance traction, durability, and all-season capability to suit street, track, and spirited daily driving. The list includes street-legal racing-oriented tires, high-performance all-season tires, and extra-load variants for heavier vehicles. Read on to find the best fit for your car’s performance goals and driving conditions.
ET Street S/S 305/45R17 Tire
The ET Street S/S 305/45R17 is a racing high-performance summer tire designed for dedicated traction and track-ready grip. Best for performance enthusiasts who primarily drive in warm, dry conditions and want a tire with a broad contact patch for maximum acceleration and cornering stability. This tire suits cars built for drag or weekend track outings where straight-line grip matters most. A potential limitation is reduced performance in cold or wet conditions, where summer tires typically don’t offer reliable grip.
ET Street R P305/45R17 SL
The ET Street R P305/45R17 SL is a racing high-performance summer tire built for superior traction and responsive handling at higher speeds. It is best for street-legal track days and drag racing where precise feedback and consistent grip are desired. It shares the ET Street philosophy of maximizing grip in warm weather, but may be less forgiving in everyday road conditions or extended winter use. Expect strong performance in dry conditions and a more aggressive ride compared with all-season options.
NT555 G2 245/45ZR17 99W
The NT555 G2 245/45ZR17 99W offers improved wet and dry performance with a silica compound and reinforced shoulder treads for durability and cornering grip. This tire is best for drivers seeking a high-performance all-season option with strong handlebars in wet weather and confident dry performance. It is a versatile choice for daily drivers who still want sporty handling. A caveat is that, as a performance all-season, it may not match the edge of track-oriented radials in peak dry grip.
iMove Gen2 AS 245/45R17XL 99W BSW
The iMove Gen2 AS 245/45R17XL 99W BSW is a high-performance all-season tire with extra load capacity and a black sidewall. It is best for drivers who need a balance of sporty handling, all-season traction, and heavier vehicle compatibility. It suits daily drivers and enthusiasts who want reliable performance without sacrificing all-season usability. Limitation: it may not deliver the same edge grip as dedicated summer tires on a track-focused street setup.
Accelera Phi 245/45ZR17 99W XL
The Accelera Phi 245/45ZR17 99W XL is a high-performance all-season tire offering 99W extra-load ratings and a balance of traction for diverse conditions. It is best for drivers seeking a cost-conscious option that still delivers confident handling and all-season capability. Best for daily driving and spirited highway cruising where value matters. A potential consideration is that it may not match the top-tier levels of grip found in premium brands during extreme dry or wet track testing.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right 245/45R17 or 305/45R17 Tire
- Driving conditions: Choose a tire type that matches your climate and season. Summer tires maximize dry and warm-weather grip; all-season tires provide balanced performance year-round; racing tires excel on dry tracks and controlled environments.
- Vehicle and load considerations: Extra-load (XL) tires handle heavier vehicles or additional load. Check your vehicle’s recommended load index and speed rating to avoid over- or under-specification.
- Performance goals: If you want peak straight-line traction for drag or track days, lean toward racing-oriented tires. If you want daily usability with sporty handling, an all-season or high-performance all-season tire is better.
- Wet weather capability: Silica compounds and tread patterns that channel water improve wet traction. Consider tires with reinforced shoulders for cornering stability in damp conditions.
- Durability and wear: Treadwear ratings and construction influence longevity. Higher-grade compounds generally last longer at the expense of peak track-level grip.
- Size and compatibility: Ensure correct width, aspect ratio, and wheel diameter for your rims. Improper sizing can affect handling, speedometer accuracy, and clearance.
Quick Product Comparison
| Product | Why It Stands Out | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| ET Street S/S 305/45R17 | Racing-oriented grip with track-ready performance | Track days and straight-line traction |
| ET Street R P305/45R17 SL | Responsive steering and high-speed stability | Street-legal racing and spirited drives |
| NT555 G2 245/45ZR17 | Balanced wet/dry performance, reinforced shoulders | All-season performance with sport handling |
| iMove Gen2 AS 245/45R17XL | All-season versatility, extra-load capability | Daily driving with sporty feel and heavier loads |
| Accelera Phi 245/45ZR17 99W XL | Cost-conscious high performance with XL | Value-focused performance and daily use |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does 245/45R17 or 305/45R17 indicate? It describes tire width, aspect ratio, and rim diameter. The first number is width in millimeters, the second is the height-to-width ratio, and the last is the wheel diameter in inches.
- Are these tires suitable for all-season use? Several options here are high-performance all-season tires, while others are summer or racing tires best used in dry and warm conditions.
- What does XL mean in tire specs? XL stands for extra load capacity, allowing higher load handling for heavier vehicles or loads.
- Can I mix tire types on the same vehicle? It is generally not recommended to mix high-performance or racing tires with all-season tires on the same vehicle due to handling and grip differences.
- How do I choose between 245/45 and 305/45 tires? It depends on wheel width, vehicle clearance, intended use, and grip preference. Wider tires offer more traction but can alter ride and fuel economy.
- Do these tires require special maintenance? Regular rotation, proper inflation, and alignment help maximize grip and uniform wear for performance tires.
Summary: The five selected tires provide a mix of racing-focused, all-season, and extra-load options built to suit different driving goals. For track-oriented acceleration and dry grip, consider the ET Street family. For balanced daily performance with wet handling, the NT555 G2 and iMove Gen2 AS offer versatile capabilities. The Accelera Phi presents a value-oriented option without sacrificing overall performance. Use the buying guide and table to align your choice with your vehicle, climate, and driving style.