I'm in Canada, but there isn't much snow on the roads, since it gets cleared real fast. So actual going-through-snow isn't really an issue. However, somewhat icy / slushy surfaces are. I'd never put steelies on my car, so if i bought winter tires, they'd have to be 19" - $1,000 for a set (though i can resell them later). Do i really need em?

 

get 16s or 17s
much more economic...
the Z lose traction in the rain... i dont want to imagine it in slush...

 

Where abouts???

If you live in ie:Southern Ont you might not need them.....

 

i personally think winter tires in any city where there is atleast a mild winter is a must. fact is, high performance summer tires are nothing if there's ever snow or slush. i'll be putting my order in for some blizzaks, i don't want to get stranded like last year. my car couldnt even make it up a slight uphill grade due to an inch of snow.

 

I'm in Toronto... what does that mean?

 

Spend the grand on a beater and put the Z away. Or spend the grand at tirerack on 4 Blizzak WS50's w/ ASA JH3 17" wheels and stay on the road safely. I wouldn't drive that car w/o winters in Toronto. I live in Bflo and come to To. often in winter (not in Z tho) and always appreciate winter tires on my car.

 

If you have Brembo, 16" will not clear the brake.

 

In the GTA eh?????
You can probably get away with a good set of all-seasons.....
How much driving do you do?..... If you've got a long commute to work, you might want to go with snowtires.....
I'm in Ottawa, and I'll be keeping my G on good 4-seasons.... Remember, its not the tire that will help (Ok, maby a little bit) but rather how you drive it!
Call the Jim Russel racing school at MoSport, they offer great 1 day driving classes, I know that those helped me stay in line!
Goodluck, drive safe, and I pitty you if you have to take the DVP to work!!!

 

Check ebay and here. I got a set of almost new (1K miles) Snowsport priellis for $500 shipped, going to mount on stock 18" rims for the winter, got them from a former z owner.

 

I'm in Toronto... what does that mean?

It means you need either Blizzacks or a beater.

 

Some conflicting opinions here... see above. Hmmm...

 

I am not going to drive my Z out during snow day...

 

I've been a regular reader here for almost three years; every post I've seen from those in snow/ice country says the OEM Z tires are a disaster in snow/ice/slush. And that includes several from folks much further south than Canada.

I understand not wanting to spend the money but I'll bet dollars to donuts you end up with snow tires, a beater, or taking public transportation!

 

Fitting winter tires below about 7 Centrigrade leads to improved braking diatances, regardless of whether there is snow or ice on the road, so regardless of the snow/slush/ice, you will be better off with winter tires in Toronto in the winter. Even in mild snow the Zed, or any other rear wheel drive car with wide tires, is a handful, and you would benefit from winter tires.

 

i have so3's on my z and i got stuck at like 3 am driving home in about 1 1/2 inchs of snow. i just took my time and had to take hills in a higher gear. 1st wouldn't get me anywhere.

usually i just wait till the roads get cleared off. luckily my roomate has a jeep with 5 inches of lift and 35s.

 

Loses traction in the rain? umm no. Someone makes 19' winter tires?

 

The stock tires are already a disaster on dry pavement at low temperatures, imagine in the snow and ice. You won't last long.

Personally i planned on getting winter tires but i'll end up storing it and pick up a murano for the winter.

 

I live in Northern Va and my Z has been my everyday car until recently. I would advise some real good winter tires or do what I did and put some small amount of cash on a beater. I have one to many horror stories of driving home on the small amount of snow we get here.

 

A murano??? That dosent change a thing.... (higher centre of grav, leads to worse traction issues!!!!)

 

A murano with winter tires and AWD? I beg to differ