Need some new tires guys, the stock Dunflops aren't gonna cut it this winter. I managed to get through 2 winters with them and I think that's the end of the road for them.

First I have a quick question about fitment/rubbing issues. The car is staying dropped (1.5" all around) and I'll be using the stock P5 rims (50 mm offset) with 205/45/R16 tires. My current tire setup is 205/40/R17 and they don't rub at all, so I'm guessing with the 1" decrease in diameter I should be able to get away with a little thicker tire (45% vs 40% for profile). Lemme hear your opinions everyone, I appreciate any and all input!

Second, would I be wasting my money on so-called "All-Season Tires"? I only use my stock rims for the winter, so the tires on the rims are winter/snow/ice use only. Iowa winters aren't too harsh, but they're not very mild either. It gets to be 30 below so there's definately lots of ice, and about a foot of snow at most ... so it's somethin to keep in mind I guess.

Also, I heard good things about the Falken Ziex ZE 512's but they're not exactly "snow" tires ... they're all-season. I can pick up all 4 shipped for a little over $300 and I can take care of mounting free of charge. Good investment?

Anyone have any better recommendations, I'll admit to being a newb when it comes to picking the right tire so I'd appreciate some good input here. Mac, Kargo, Natey, Rodd ... I know you guys got some good input so don't disappoint me here!

 

First question: If you're going with stock rims, why not run stock size tires?

I had ZE512s on my sedan when I had it. (215/40/17) I thought they were very decent overall, but did not perform in the rain as well as my previous set of Yokohama AVS ES100s. (which are summer tires) No snow here last winter, but there were a few icy mornings and I thought they did quite well for all-season tires.

 

I guess I thought of the wider tire as a "bigger footprint" to get me through snow easier. I had a hell of a time taking off from a stop last winter as I would spin out way too easy. My common sense told me a wider tire would help with this and increase overall traction, but if I'm wrong in thinking that then by all means correct me. I'm always open to learning new things ...

 

We run Pirelli PZero Nero MS on the the Pro. 205/45/16's and they are fine...

However- actually a better winter tire is a narrow tire. Here are some good comparisons.

This is what we run


Stock Protege tire


Winter Specific


Summer Performance


There is a very good write up on tirerack.com. It will explain alot about tires and pressures for winter time, and also summer differences and help explain the differences between tread designs and tire widths. Once you figure it out- you can look at a tire and tell what form of automotive purpose it serves.

 

what's winter ??

 

After a lot of shopping around and reading online reviews I finally made a purchase. Just ordered 4 Hankook IceBear W300 195/50/16R tires from tires-easy.com for only $70 a piece. Shipping was also only $40 on all 4 tires, so overall a pretty fair price in my opinion. $320 shipped for 4 brand spankin new winter tires ... I'll write a review as soon as we get snowfall

 

I bought the same tire for my 3s but in 205/50/R17. I'm still in the "break-in" period, but they are already doing quite well. Anything's better than the stock Eagle RS-A though. =)
Only 150 kms on them, should get my lugs tightened...

I payed quite a bit more than you. I was getting desperate for tires because we got a heavy snowfall up here in Alberta, so I had to just go to a local shop instead of online. Plus didn't know who would mount my tires for a decent price. Paid $169 CDN per tire.

 

I totally missed this thread...

I've read a lot of reviews for Hankooks and the prevailing opnion is that they are pretty good
tires for the money.

As crappy as the stock Dunlops are, I just put on my Graspics for winter# 3. They've been a great tire for me here.

 

Good deal on the tires. I have a shop here that looks out for me. Got a tire/rim package for $925 Can. Not as nice looking as my summer rims, but still beats having the steal rims on for 6-7 months. Will post pics shortly.

 

during the winter, i just start off in second gear, and drive slowly, and i have little to none tire spin, starting off in first tho is a completly different story....

 

I'll have to second the opinions you've heard about the Hankooks. They're awesome snow tires, quite a measurable amount better than the stock Dunlops. We just got our first snowfall this weekend and driving through it is not near as challenging as before. Taking off from a stop is no longer a problem, and traction overall is greatly improved. These tires were probably the best investment I've made in a looong time ..

 

We had a huge snowfall and temp drop last week.
+1 for the Hankooks! =D