Part one:

I want to get a set of winter tires and wheels for our Z. I know there are a number on the market. But my question is more basic that which tire/wheeel. I've read in various places that it is good to go one size negative for winter. That would be going to a 17" wheel and one size less in aspect ratio to keep the tire diameters consistent with the normal or summer tires. This reduces the contact patch so less snow is pushed by the tires. Has anyone done this? Any issues? I know there is a performance penalty, but after all it is winter anyway. So, very agressive driving isn't likely anyway.


Part two: Which Tires? Advice from experience would be helpful.

Thanks

 

PM sent.

 

blizzak tires... strictly for winter though, you cannot drive on them in the summer.

 

Could you add more information publicly? I'm interested in this too. Don't know if I'm going to buy winter tires or just garage the Z when it snows.

I have HP Michelin AutoSports. I know they can't be driven in snow, but any comments on driving on them when it's cold? (This is Virginia-cold, not Michigan-cold - say in the 20s and 30s.)

 

I don't have any more info. I'm searching. But likely you meant the other posters. So hopefully they will.

I know Blizzaks are good (yes I know they are only for winter), but there are lots more on the market as well.

So, more info please.

 

I've used Blizzak LM-22's for the past three winters (stock 17" size), and I've been very happy with them. Plenty of traction and no problems getting stuck in the snow whatsoever.

 

Thanks CP2. Good to know.

Does anyone know if using 17" wheels is a issue on a car that came with 18"s. Assuming I keep the overall tire diameter similar as possible.

 

definately go with the blizzaks, absolutely amazing ice and snow performance.

 

You should go with the proper size on a 17", that is, 225/50 on front and 225/55 rear. You can also go 55 all around if you are interested in rotating the tires.

I am faced with the same decision as you. I am selling my 16" steel rims which have Pilot Alpines (a premium tire), and deciding what to get on my new 17"s. There are a lot of great brands out there which cost a lot less and perform very well. Blizzak, Pilot Alpine and Dunlop M3 are all premium tires with premium prices, however I have read some great reviews about other tires under "white labels".

For example, consumer reports recently ranked the Viking Snow Tech tires number two on their list. As well, the tire guy I go to here in Toronto (who is a well know performance tire guy) endorses these tires. They are actually made by continental and are a popular brand in Europe. I may go with these and save a few hundred dollars.

 

Same here. Blizzak LM-22's for three winters now. Great tires with excellent traction.

 

what about for us new car buyers w/ stock 18". I think ill just drive 10-20 mph below speed limit

 

No problem.

 

Recommendations from Consumer Reports.

 

wow the viking sure seam really good. where are they sold? ive never heard of them.

 

Davidv - thanks for posting that.

The Conti's rank lower on actual snow traction and ice braking.

It appears this tire aligns more closely with a LM22 and Pilot Alpine (i.e. being more in the performance winter tire category than the pure snow tire category). This is exactly what I'm looking for.

 

I had the Blizzak WS-50s on my last car, and f'ing loved them. Go to www.tirerack.com, and see what they recommend as a package.

 

I don't drive my Z in the winter but I had Dunlop Winter Sport M3s on my Altima SER and they were awesome lots better then my previous winter tires which were Blizzaks. The winter sport still has a beefy sidewal so you don't get the lean like you do on Blizzaks plus they will last a lot longer too.

 

hmm... snowtech has more red circles than x-ice. I guess x-ice is rated higher for overall ice/snow driving. I wonder if snowtech can be used for fall season as well (early sept-late nov)for cold rain etc. It barely snows here in WA but during dec/jan, it gets really icy.

 

I drove all last winter on studdless Hankooks R17/225/55 (can't recall the model exactly) and they were surprisingly good. Much exceeded my expectations and held well even on slushy snow.
IMO you can't beat them for the price.
And we had ice and snow for almost two consequtive months last winter...

 

I've been looking at tirerack.com and discount tire. Seems the biggest issue is limited choice it the 18" size, Dunlops or a Perilli. Blizzaks only come in the 17's for the most part. A quandry. I did find some take off 18" OEM rims, but without the pressure senors. I really want a set of wheels as well, but this is getting spendy

Scratching head....