Will I survive this winter?

[regal]

Originally Posted by Mister

I think you should be able to get 205's on there.
Keep an eye on craigslist too, you may be able to find 16" rims with 205/55 snow tires for a pretty good deal, but it is harder this time of year.

Please do not wait and see. It is not just yourself and your car that you endanger, but your passengers and anyone else on the road. $600-800 for 4 tires seems steep until you have to pay out your insurance deductible and have increased premiums for the next 5 years.

I don't know why everyone recommends 55's for 16" rims.


For these cars you want 60's on a 16" rim.


Best deal are used WRX rims.


Also OPer don't listen to the dealer I found out last year the hard way that these are summer only tires, they have little traction below freezing. A winter tire is a must must.


This is mine with the craigslist 2002 wrx wheels and 60 Altimax's from the tire rack. I can't remember who posted this idea first but it was a good one (much better than steelies for same $'s) and the 60's fit fine.

[ZDan]

Originally Posted by regal

I don't know why everyone recommends 55's for 16" rims.

Because 205/55-16 is nearly the same diameter as 215/45-17.

For these cars you want 60's on a 16" rim.

It depends on the section width. For a 205 width tire, 55 aspect ratio gives OEM tire diameter. 225 tire, 50 aspect ratio.

If you want tires nearly an inch taller than OEM (not a bad idea in the snow, nearly half an inch more ground clearance), then yeah, 205/60-16.

[Captain Stall]

I really like the look of your car with the WRX wheels, and I considered "inexpensive" alloys for the winter, but opted for steel. The tipping point was "yeah, these alloys are cheap now, but what if I have to replace just one of them?"

[trekkie]

Originally Posted by Jertronic

After a giving the subject a healthy amount of thought and absorbing many opinions I will be buying a set of Continental extreme winter contacts on black Friday.

I had all but ordered the blizzak ws70's but opted for the conti's for a couple reasons. 1) dry road handling is better w/conti's. 2) local tire shop is giving me a nice discount which makes them a better value than the ws70's.

The General Ultimax Arctic was the other finalist in my decision.

I can go with either the stock size of 215/45/17 on my oem rims or down size to 205/50/17.

Good choice. I would recommend getting some steel hubs for the winter tiers a size or two down (17 or 16 ") with the bigger tire. I did this the last time I had a fun to drive two door.

Then when it warms up, you just pop off the winter tires, stack em in the corner, and put your fun tires back on.

That way if you do slide or anything (rare, but possible) you don't scrape up your pretty rims.

[regal]

Originally Posted by ZDan

Because 205/55-16 is nearly the same diameter as 215/45-17.

It depends on the section width. For a 205 width tire, 55 aspect ratio gives OEM tire diameter. 225 tire, 50 aspect ratio.

If you want tires nearly an inch taller than OEM (not a bad idea in the snow, nearly half an inch more ground clearance), then yeah, 205/60-16.

Yes that's the idea with 205/60/16 you want ground clearance where I live because our taxes line pockets instead of plow roads.




As far as replacing a steely vs a used wrx, when I was looking the little 16" wrx rims were everywhere, I might buy a spare. But I'll tell ya I think the quality of these old wrx rims is better than our stock alloys (they are pretty rugged), the design looks better IMHO too.

[zaptorque]

Originally Posted by 1086

Lol really? Some of you people are trying to compete for 'where I live it is colder' ?

"ah what bro?! 26 degrees!? you spoiled bro. get on my level, I live in -40 degree weather bro!"

Says the dude living in Cali.

[SkitterSkotter]

We have 3 inches of snow on the road and last night it was around -12. Let me just say that I managed to go though 1/4 tank of gas in empty parking lots drifting around and doing figure 8s for a good hour and a half. Holy shit, I love winter so much in this car!!

[chrisl]

Originally Posted by regal

Yes that's the idea with 205/60/16 you want ground clearance where I live because our taxes line pockets instead of plow roads.

Just keep in mind that the speedo will read low if you do that.

[HeubergerMotors]

I think you'll be fine, but I grew up in Montana with crappy sports tires. Lug it, drive safe, brake ahead!

[Suberman]

In Calgary today we had minus 20C and ice frost descending on bridge decks and polished sections of icy road.

I have Sottozeros on and this BRZ is basically undrivable in these conditions.

The car stops normally with plenty of grip. The steering makes the slides easy to catch. The rear axle is just stupidly loose. Makes the car super slow. It must also have that effect on a warm track. I already know it is stupidly twitchy in the wet.

If you are not very experienced in winter driving fit four studless winter tires or even studded tires if legal in your area. Also, explore the handling VERY carefully before you get cocky and start motoring aggressively. This car will kill you in winter if you are not careful.

Do NOT try to drive this car on ice or snow on any of the stock tires fitted. Period.

[Bristecom]

Originally Posted by amram

Interesting numbers about 'wet and dry' winter capability of 'good' (mxm4) all seasons. Seems to be better than the (x-ice) winter tires (except for snow and ice of course). This was a big eye opener for me. I though winters would provide better 'wet and dry' winter (<40F) capability compared to all seasons. Something to consider for milder winter areas like NY/NJ
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20209

That's the problem. Dedicated snow and ice tires have aggressive tread patterns and very flexy sidewalls which provide good snow traction but sacrifice in every other way. In normal cold wet/dry conditions, a sport winter tire or a very good all season tire, such as the Michelins with the Helio compound will actually be better.

[regal]

Originally Posted by Bristecom

That's the problem. Dedicated snow and ice tires have aggressive tread patterns and very flexy sidewalls which provide good snow traction but sacrifice in every other way. In normal cold wet/dry conditions, a sport winter tire or a very good all season tire, such as the Michelins with the Helio compound will actually be better.

All I care about in a winter tire is safely driving thru the snow, the rest is adequate for the street. Back road sprints are over once he winter shoes go one.

[Suberman]

Originally Posted by amram

Interesting numbers about 'wet and dry' winter capability of 'good' (mxm4) all seasons. Seems to be better than the (x-ice) winter tires (except for snow and ice of course). This was a big eye opener for me. I though winters would provide better 'wet and dry' winter (<40F) capability compared to all seasons. Something to consider for milder winter areas like NY/NJ
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20209

And another perspective:

http://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/f...vs-summer.html

[chulooz]

OP I can tell you your experience now. You are from Boston, you will see snow and ice, you will lose control if you DD in those conditions with such junk tires. Spare whoever and whatever you might hit and just spend some coin on proper tires. I also think the stock tires are proper for nothing but MPGs and rage-filled burnouts.

Who in their right mind would want to buy a $25k sports car and not want to spend the money needed to keep in safe on the road? No remorse will be shown for the threads on threads of inclement weather incidents this season by wearers of stock tires.