2017 Honda Civic EX Sedan - Canadian Wheel Size / Winter Tires

bconcha18

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Hi,

I'm going to be downgrading my 2017 Honda Civic EX tires from 215/55r/16 (Summer) to a different size in Winter. I've decided on the Blizzak WS80 as the winters here are quite rough.

I bought 15" steel rims already and I tried contacting the dealership and they are saying I should put on 205/65/r15.

The thing is, I think 195/65/R15 will fit as well but the tires will be $100 cheaper.. is the 10CM between 195 to 205 (with winter tires) worth the $100 difference?

Thanks guys... hopefully I have the right size!
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Erin Tyres

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It is said that narrow tires tend to dig into the snow and work better. I believe it, but if the tires are much too narrow, they would give poor cornering performance.

The diameter of the 195/65R15 tires would be all right. They would have 1.2% less circumference, with a corresponding 1.2% speedometer error. You can see all the trade offs here: https://tiresize.com/calculator/

My 2018 EX-T came with 215/50R17 tires, and I plan to buy 205/65R15's. I was happy to see that the winter tires will have -exactly- the same rolling diameter that I have now. Also, the snow tires that I am considering have a slightly better load rating than the original tires. I am going to buy 15" Honda wheels, since it seems like OEM wheels are stronger, they work with the existing lug nuts, and they don't require any kind of spacers.

A mechanic told me that it helps to install wheel covers or to put some grease on the wheel hubs. Otherwise, the center of the wheel could rust.
 

Ocelot

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I used 195/65r15's on my '12 lx every winter with x-ice tires in place of stock 205/55r16's. You'll be fine if the rim clears.
Cornering won't be a concern in cold weather wrt narrower tires, the cold weather will eat up more of your dry road traction than the slightly narrower tires ever will
 

razz

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Have a 2017 civic ex with 215/55r/16 (summer). So what's best to install for winter?

215/55/16

205/60/16

195/65/15
 

Ocelot

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narrowest is always best for snow and ice
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