Best Winter Wheel - Tire Setup

[Saadeq]

Hey everyone, I had this setup last winter and love it. Now it is time to start thinking about the switch to winter tires. I wanted to share this info so that if some of you are looking for a new setup for winter, could see my setup and try if you like this.
When I was searching for a winter setup, I did not want to give up completely on the handling and looks of my car. And I took it seriously. My car had 18x8 ET50 Factory wheels. I only wanted to go one step downsize with 17". I settled on this after comparing lots of options for different sizes of wheels, width offset and tire sizes. I found the best solution for me right on the Honda website. Honda Custom-fit Enkei Draco Wheels 17x7.5 ET45 weighed 19.5 lbs each. At first, I ignored this option because of the price. But after discussing to parts rep at the honda dealer, I realized the advertised price includes mounting, swap, installed etc; etc; But only wheels - I was able to get at CAD 720+tax for a set(after discount). With that price, it made way more sense. With these, I did not need a new set of lug nuts or hub centric rings because they are custom made to fit for honda civics/accords.
For the tires, I chose BRIDGESTONE BLIZZAK WS90 Got installed at Costco. My factory tire size was 235/40R18. I know before 2019 touring tires were 215/50R17 which I could have gone for. But I went for 225/50R17 which is about +2% overall as compared to OEM. It gave me about a 5 mm increase in ride height - much needed in winter. Fits perfectly fine. I had driven with full capacity (me plus 4 passengers) on city and highway roads. Had no rubbing what so ever. I know the popular belief "Thinner tires are better for winter" and I believe that up to a certain extent. So going for 225 wide from 235 tiers was enough for me. I believe it is also about tire design plus tire compound and not only the width of the tire for winter. I am extremely happy with this setup.
I find this to be an excellent winter setup. Here are some pics. I may add more pics (outdoor pics) after I switch back to this setup this winter.

 

[blackie X]

I went with the same setup man 225/50R17, i will be putting them on later this morning. glad you are enjoying your setup, i also thought about going 215 but decided that might be too thin for this car. I went with some Konig control 17x7x45 wheels to go with the tires, looking forward to cutting through the NY winter with them soon.

 

[Saadeq]

I went with the same setup man 225/50R17, i will be putting them on later this morning. glad you are enjoying your setup, i also thought about going 215 but decided that might be too thin for this car. I went with some Konig control 17x7x45 wheels to go with the tires, looking forward to cutting through the NY winter with them soon.

Great. I would love to see your setup if you post some pics.

 

[Benster]

215s work good on this platform although I wouldn't go for 205s myself. It's a good compromise of width for better winter traction and I haven't had an issue so far from 2 winters. Toyot observe gsi6hp tires.

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