Winter Tires

Looking for some winter tires that wont break the bank, any recommendations? Would it be better to get the 17" Winters as they are cheaper?

schguna said:

Looking for some winter tires that wont break the bank, any recommendations? Would it be better to get the 17" Winters as they are cheaper?

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17" is a good idea since it gives you more sidewall to protect the wheels from winter potholes. As far as recommendations, my advice is always that pretty much any winter tire is leaps and bounds better than an all-season, so even cheaper ones will still be good.

Also, you might get better responses in the wheel/tire sub.

For my car on my stock wheels i run a FEDERAL HIMALAYA WS2 the only size i was able to find that i just said F it was a 245 45 R18 i wouldn't recommend running a size bigger and taller but they were super cheap and they did real good in deep snow. I got a set for 402 bucks wasn't bad but if your fine with running a larger wheel they are a good bang for the buck. They dont rub but you do lose some mpg and the speedometer is few off but hey they work especially if you live in very snowy state.

I have a set of Enkei TSP5 17" rims with Michelin X-Ice (~3000 miles) that I'm looking to get rid of. If you're interested, let me know (I'm in VA right now and could bring them through on my way back from NJ later this month/next month).

I have always used Blizzaks over the years and they haven’t let me down yet.

I drive like normal in all winter conditions, just have to weave in and out of the non winter tire drivers who are like pylons. Even in heavy snow you have very stable control and good stopping. However, I haven’t driven the Si with snow tires yet so it might change.

I usually just do stock tire size so I can use the stock wheels. But as others have said smaller wheel thinner and taller tires are better for cutting throw snow. If your roads are well maintained and you don’t live in rural areas or mountains a winter no studded tire will be more than adequate in stock tire dimensions.

They also are a softer rubber compound and have more silica mixed in for better cold weather grip in all conditions. I’m Germany it is the law to switch over or have a snow symbol on your tires. I wish we would have it here thousands of accidents would be avoided probably 10s of thousands.

Once you go snow tires you never go back...
Until it warms up

schguna said:

Looking for some winter tires that wont break the bank, any recommendations? Would it be better to get the 17" Winters as they are cheaper?

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I ran 215/45r17s on my Subaru Legacy last year, I’m gonna make the attempt to downsize my wheels on my Si so I can run them on it this winter. The Michelin iX3s are amazing snow tires, and the legacy was like a tank on them. Not sure about the Si but I guess we will see.

I have always ridden with TOYO OBSERVE with my previous SI and ACURA.
With the 10 th generation, I preferred to buy the OBSERVE GARRIT model:
they are a little expensive but we feel a great difference in handling and stability
at high speed. I do not regret it.
My dimension is 215-50-17.

I use Nokian WR A4 215/50R17 for winter, mounted on a different set of wheels (Nokian made, EP3 Civic Type R OEM wheels). No all season tyre can be as effective as a good dedicated winter tyre or summer tyre. On top of that, in EU all cars are delivered with summer tyres on them (Civic came with Michelin Primacy 3 245/45R17, excellent summer tyre).

Very happy with my Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 225/50R-17 tires. They're "winter sport" tires, and I feel like they do maintain some performance.

Other winter tires I've had felt soft and started squealing if you corner with any speed. These don't have that problem.

The snow and ice traction isn't going to be as good as serious Blizzaks or Nokians, but I never had any traction problems in western New York. If you live somewhere the roads are clear 95% of the time, I think the "winter sport" tires are the best option.

I got them on generic steelies, and it's a good look with the Modern Steel Metallic.

Go to tirerack.com and buy them there. Even if you already have rims to use with them, they can ship them to whatever installer you have and have them installed there.

So I ended up finding a near brand new package on Craigslist from a previous focus RS owner who only had 4K in his vehicle. Roughly 1500 miles on the winters.

I got a 5 spoke bremer kraft wheel in grey 18x8 (I know not the best size) but it was rapped in Michelin X-ice 3s that were 225/40/r18 in size.

I got them for less than half of MSRP so I’m ready for winter.

Only negatives were a few cosmetic blemishes but it’s a winter set so I can care less. I’m sure I’m gonna hit a bunch of potholes anyway...

Cheers,
A2

I will send an update and pics once they are mounted and let everyone know how they drive.

Very happy with my Toyo GSi-6 HPs. I also have 17".

Hippocrips said:

For my car on my stock wheels i run a FEDERAL HIMALAYA WS2 the only size i was able to find that i just said F it was a 245 45 R18 i wouldn't recommend running a size bigger and taller but they were super cheap and they did real good in deep snow. I got a set for 402 bucks wasn't bad but if your fine with running a larger wheel they are a good bang for the buck. They dont rub but you do lose some mpg and the speedometer is few off but hey they work especially if you live in very snowy state.

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Hey man are you running those on stock rims? I'm thinking of running the same on my 18 Sport for winter. With the stock rims. Got any pics?

I just bought rims and tires 17 inch from discount tire direct for 750 delivered. They are decent looking wheels for winter too. Could go cheaper if you went steel wheels