225/60/16 for winter - buy or pass?
 

I came across a set of wheels and winter tires that are 225/60/16.

I’ve been looking for 16” wheels for the winter… but was thinking 205/55 or so. I really know very little about tires, though. Any input on how this will affect things - and whether it will even fit on a (stock suspension) car?

I would definitely pass. That's a 2-inch diameter between the two sizes, which is a huge variance. Stock tire has a 24.7" diameter, and 225/60/16 has about a 26.6" diameter.

Even if it does happen to fit, you're also raising your ride height, making the speedometer read slower, making your gearing taller (slower acceleration), and making the handling sloppier with such thick sidewalls and the height increase.

205/55/16 would be ideal on a 16x6.5 or 16x7, or 225/50/16 on a 16x7.5 or 16x8.

Thanks! That’s super helpful. And I’ve bookmarked the other sizes you recommended. (Although used wheels don’t usually give such clear info on the width, and I’m still not sure what’s with offset, so… ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Wheels typically have stamping/markings on them that indicate the size, offset and bolt pattern. And if the seller doesn't know the specs of the wheels they're selling, probably best to stay away, unless they let you test fit.

Wheel offset is the distance from where it mounts on the hub to the centerline of the wheel. Offset for Subaru is typically +48 (BRZ/FRS OEM wheels), +53 or +55. The higher the number, the more sunk-in it goes into the wheel well, so you could go lower to the low +40's or +30's.

Also look out for the bolt pattern (ours is 5x100) and centre bore size (ours is 56.1mm). If the wheels you're eyeing have a larger center bore, e.g. 73mm, then hub-centric rings are recommended to ensure the wheels are centered during install.

215/60/16 would fit slightly better, but you will probably get very light rub at stock ride height. I run 215/55/16 on 16x7 +30.

A few comments on a good winter setup...


Width depends on how much deep snow you're going through. It is true in some circumstances you might be 3"+ of snow and then a skinnier 205 tire for example might be better. However, don't forget that for many of us, yes, we might be in deep snow from time to time, but spend 90%+ in dry, cold roads, rain, slush, or <1/2 inch. In these cases, more width is better.


Get a tire/wheel that fits each other. Don't stretch or cram on tires. 205's work well on 7", 225's on 7.5" and so on. Again, take that into account with the above tire selection.


Offset-wise... eh, for winter, this isn't a big issue. Just get something that fits. Even something like a 2004 STI BBS that's +53 with a 225 will fit (from experience), but usually in the +45 and lower range is going to look a bit better, more flush with the car. +42 - 45 would be my target give or take.


Bolt pattern is 5x100 and hub should be 56.1mm. Stick to these to make it easy for yourself. You can get hub centric rings and whatnot if needed.


Personally, I think soemthing with a rally look like the Sparco Terra that's 16" (7.0-7.5" width) and a 205/55/16 tire (common size) or 225/50/16 if you're with more dry roads. Larger sidewall than stock, rally look, squishier sidewall to compensate for colder temps make the rubber harder (maybe?), pothole and curb protection, etc. 205/60/16 is going to have too large of a sidewall - keep to the same circumference.


COMPOUND is going to make the most difference, even if it was a 245 snow tire in deep snow.

Thank you! That’s a lot of great info.

I have sparco terra at 17 in with 225/ 45 conti extreme contact snows on my 04 WRX and it is a blast in the snow. 16 looks more rally and is lighter but I stayed 17 because I had 17 snow tires on a previous wheel.