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Wheels | Tires | Spacers | Hub -- Sponsored by The Tire Rack Specific topics relating to wheels and tires.


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Old 08-04-2021, 03:21 PM   #1
bucketfoot
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Winter tire size

For those of you who run winter tires, do you stick with the OEM 215 size or do you drop down to something narrower like at 205?

Secondly are there any particular tires that people here like?

I was very happy with the Pirelli Sottozero 3s that I had on my BMW and I will definitely consider them. That said, in this new world with no commute I'm down to 4K or fewer miles are year on the car and might just opt to save money (something like $60 a tire) and go with something like the GT Radial Champiro Winterpro.

It seems like a waste to spend a lot more for a tire that will age out well before I actually wear the tread out.
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Old 08-04-2021, 04:29 PM   #2
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What wheel will you be using?

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Old 08-04-2021, 04:57 PM   #3
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I'll be using the OEM wheels for my winter setup.
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Old 08-04-2021, 05:33 PM   #4
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I'm running 215/45R17 Vredestein Wintrec Pro (pretty comparable to the Sottozero 3s) on the stock 7" wide wheels in Ohio. The mild winters here, specifically the fairly rare snowfall (under 4" of accumulation a handful of times a year and good salting/plowing), made me prefer dry/wet traction to outright snow performance.
For heavier/more frequent snow fall I think narrower tires would probably be better due to the light weight of the Twins.
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Old 08-04-2021, 06:37 PM   #5
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Yeah, given that I don't have a work commute anymore I'm good with something that has better everyday winter handling and isn't quite as good with the snow over something great in the snow but that sacrifices performance when the weather is good.
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Old 08-04-2021, 09:21 PM   #6
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I plan to put 205/50 winter tires on my 17" OEM wheels when the time comes. They will have just under 6mm more sidewall height than the 215/45R17 size that I'm using for summer. That little extra ground clearance and a little extra "give" when encountering freeze-thaw generated potholes are just as important to me as the extra bite into snow the narrower tread should provide.
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Old 08-04-2021, 09:55 PM   #7
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I plan to put 205/50 winter tires on my 17" OEM wheels when the time comes. They will have just under 6mm more sidewall height than the 215/45R17 size that I'm using for summer. That little extra ground clearance and a little extra "give" when encountering freeze-thaw generated potholes are just as important to me as the extra bite into snow the narrower tread should provide.
That's kind of where I'm leaning as well.
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Old 08-04-2021, 10:25 PM   #8
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Stick to the OE tire size for the rim you have. When it comes to OE-sized rims I don't use any tire size that is not listed on https://www.wheel-size.com/
That site lists a 205mm section tire only for 205/55R16 that comes on 16x6.5J rims in Japan.

I'm running Michelin Xi3 which have good road manners in the dry and decent handling for a winter tire. My winters in Toronto Canada are mostly cold and dry with the odd snow storm here and there so my priorities are more towards dry driving. If you live somewhere with a lot of deep snow then you'll want a tire that's a little more hardcore like the Bridgestone WS90, but that tire is quite soft in the dry.

Even if you don't drive much, cheaping out on a winter tire will make you had your car even you do drive in the dry as the tread noise will be loud and the handling will be poor.

Have look at the reviews on tirerack
https://m.tirerack.com/tires/surveyr...sp?type=W&VT=C
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Old 08-05-2021, 11:24 AM   #9
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Stick to the OE tire size for the rim you have. When it comes to OE-sized rims I don't use any tire size that is not listed on https://www.wheel-size.com/
I'm not worried about that at all. I know that at a minimum you can safely go either a size up or down in tire size for a given wheel size.

Bottom line is that a given wheel is designed for multiple tire sizes, not just one.

That web page just tells you what the OEM options were.
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Old 08-05-2021, 12:13 PM   #10
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Unless you have a bbk that needs a specific wheel to clear calipers, id go 16" steelies with 205 winters
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Old 08-05-2021, 12:18 PM   #11
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Check here for other members buy for their winter tires and reviews.
Winter tire Review Thread
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Old 08-05-2021, 05:41 PM   #12
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going 16" also opens option of 195. It's 17" that i never seen winter tires narrower then 205. Then again, narrower tires are mostly for actual snow (they will have easier to cut through to harder packed pavement) and ice. Going that narrow imho will work worse on tarmac (and most countries even with real winters usually have their roads plowed & salted).
Also i'd prefer having good winter tires from top manufacturers instead of experimenting with lower tier in hope of saving some money. Winter is season, when grip is scarce, and every little extra bit one can get is welcome. For first winter due purchase during it dealership thrown in "freebies", some cheap chinese winter tires of stock size. Grip was so bad that at first occasion i changed them to normal ones ASAP. There might be some, maybe not best, but good enough tires at lower tier too, but i don't want to experiment on my own car. Stingy pays twice.
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Old 08-05-2021, 05:53 PM   #13
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I'm sticking with 17" wheels as I bought OZ wheels for my summer tires and will use the OEM wheels for my winter tires.

I have to say that the car feels more stable at speed with my 225/45/17 summer tires, which is one thing in favor of going with a 215 vs a 205. Quite frankly if there is any significant amount of snow I'll take our Honda Pilot instead. Unless of course I'm just going out to play in the snow with the 86
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Old 08-05-2021, 11:53 PM   #14
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Just a reminder got those saying go 195 or 205 - much of your winter driving is probably not done on heavy snow covered roads. Probably cold, clear roads. Perhaps rain, slush, "wintry mix". In cases like that, something like a 225/45/17 on even the stock 7" wheels is going to be the best tire patch on the ground. More tire is better here.

If you're in heavy snow, like 2"+ on the road, a lot, then I can see going with a 205 or 215. In this "deep" snow, a skinnier tire does create more traction. I mean the majority of the time in snow, not the above winter conditions. I can't think of many people who drive like this, but there can be.

IMO, winter tires, but the wider (to a point), the better. Bottom line, the winter tire is going to make the most difference vs whatever else you do.
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