Can the 18" tS rims handle the winter?

[TOtS]

Hi


When I bought winter tires for my previous cars I remember they mentioned something about winter rated wheels that. They're supposed to be able to withstand extreme cold temperatures and all the salt from the roads.


Is it a good idea to throw winter tires on my existing rims or should I get steelies/another set of rims just for the winter?

[Frye]

Generally speaking, there is no such thing as a "winter rated wheel" or a "special wheel" designed for winter weather. The BRZ tS wheel will work in the winter as well as any other alloy wheel of the same size. You could see corrosion and abrasion from the salt, but no different than any other alloy wheel.

I found no winter tires on TireRack (USA) that match the BRZ tS OEM tire size 215/40R18. Winter tires are available in 225/40R18. Because the tire is slightly bigger, at 75 mph (about 120 km/h) your speedometer will read ~1 mph slower than your actual speed. I don't know if there are any rubbing issues with this slightly bigger tire size. Probably fine.

If you're going to keep the car for a long time, and you want to put less wear and tear on the tS wheels, I recommend just getting a second set of wheels for winter use. Note: I don't know what you would need to do to keep the TPMS functioning with both sets of wheels.

The 2018 BRZ with Performance Package (same Brembo brakes as your car) comes with 17" wheels and has a stock tire size of 215/45R17. There are winter tires in this size. You could buy a 17" wheel to match, or you could buy a narrower 17" wheel (narrow tires work a bit better in snow than wide tires.) Just make sure whatever wheel you buy clears the Brembo brakes.


This thread discusses wheels that fit over the Brembo brakes:
https://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=135328

[churchx]

Shouldn't 205/50 be better choice on 17 for winter tires? Imho 215 is too wide for winter tires with our cars (relatively light) weight. Myself having 16" wheel set for winter, but that probably won't do with brembo PP brakes.

[soundman98]

winter driving is as much theory as it is personal preference and personal capabilities.

some people prefer the thinner tires, based on the theory that a thinner tire will act like a pizza cutter and 'slice' through the snow/stuff to the pavement below. some of my family prefers running fatter tires in the snow, the theory being that you'll float on the top of the surface easier, so you don't sink in and get stuck.

but we're talking about a 10mm difference here.

[Clutch Dog]

Theres also the topic of actual winter tires, which are just differences in the galvinizing process for the rubber. summer tires turn to bricks under 40F and winter tires will turn to mush if ran too hot.

being in canada you play it by ear

the wheel is fine. Id trust it and run whatever size yuou feel fine with

Ive done 16 years in Illinois between 100 degree F summers and neg 20 winters. We used all seasons all year round and took it gingerly in the winter. did just fine

[RToyo86]

You can fit a winter to the 18" but it's less desirable. They're more expensive, and you Tend to trade off snow traction for dry grip.

Ideally you want a more narrow tire as it changes the shape of the contact patch. You end up with a longer and more narrow contact patch which is what you want when you need the tire to bite into snow.




If finances aren't a problem sourcing a seperate set of wheels in 17" or 16" that work with the brembos(I'm unsure on clearances for 16")
It ends up being less wear and tear on your tires mounting them once on dedicated wheels vs switching them off season by season. Plus you gain the advantage of being able to install the tires your self at home and save additional cost and time.