Winter tires and wheels, what is your plan?
 

I have been thinking about using the OEM 17x7 wheels and putting on some 205/50-17 winter tires.

But not completely sure. I would much rather have 16" wheels for the winter due to the larger sidewall. 195/60-16 would be nice for winter.

But that would mean I would get a new set of 16" wheels for winter use.
I would also like to have a new set of nice 17" wheels for daily summer driving.
If im going to Autocross and be competetive I would need a set for that as well. Either 16" or 17" inch. Im most likely going to autocross it and would need a set of wheels with semislick tires to be competetive due to regulations here.
That is 3 new sets of wheels and tires! Expensive! Not gonna happen after buying a new car of the dealer.
Selling the OEM 17" wheels will probably not give me much money, so that is most likely not an option.
I could use them as track wheels tough. But they are a little narrow and could be lighter. Or would the narrow 7" tires not be a problem with say Toyo R888 in 235/40. Maybe 215/45tires would be just as good since they heat up quicker and might make the car more agile??

Decicions decicions.... In my case. Would you use the 17" OEM wheels for winter or for autocross competitions?

What are your plans for winter wheels and tires?

I'll be reusing the aftermarket wheels I had on my CR-Z. I found a set of Blizzaks on Craigslist for cheap which I will be mounting on them. The only question I have at this point is will I spend the extra money to have TPMS sensors installed in them.

I intend to use the OEM wheels with winter tires and get an aftermarket set for combined summer street and Solo2 use.

Not going to get a set of dedicated Solo2 tires/wheels. I know that will leave me behind folks with Hoosiers but I prefer to just arrive and drive.

Yes, TPMS. :/ Im pretty sure i will put the sensors in both my summer and winter wheels. Not helping the budget!
My toughs:
1. Some warning light is not fun when owning a car for several years. Especially not on a new car. I would sleep and feel better having everything working 100%
2. I might need them for EU-inspection
3. I will get some of the cost back the day I sell the car. Having sensors in all wheels.

What size tires are you guys thinking to use in the winter?

I've already got the tires they're used, but with plenty of tread left on them. They are the stock size 215/45/17. I would have gone with 16" but I've already got the 17" wheels.

steelies FTW?

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/pr...iq83.large.jpg

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...=Car%2FMinivan

My plan is to run the factory rims that came with my winter beater, on the winter beater. :)

I'm hoping my old OEM 2002 WRX wheels (16") will fit, since I have a newish set of snow tires on them. As far as bolt pattern and offset, I think they should fit, bit I haven't studied the situation enough to know for sure.

:bump:

I have some 16" Dunlop Snow tires. Would like to know if I can put on some 5x100 16" Rims and if it would clear the rotors/brake calipers.

If so, I'm set (i.e. needing to buy four rims for $500) vs. $1200 for 17's.

Here is a great site for calculating size compatibility of tires.

http://www.1010tires.com/tiresizecalculator.asp

going to wrap the stockers with winters. I'll go either a tall 205 or the stock 215 size. Haven't decided on a tire yet.

Going to plastidip the OEM wheels for winter (black looks good) stock size, set of 18"s in the summer, set of 16"/17" don't know yet for track use...

planning to put a 225 width winter tire on oem wheel and get a new set for next summer

you do not want a wider winter tire

you want a narrower winter tire, 205 max, pref 195 with 55-65 sidewall.


remember contact patch shape is determined by weight. In the winter time you want a square patch for braking and accelerating, not to mention a large, soft sidewall to help with finding traction.