Seeing these Q's pop up every winter gets really annoying, I know... I'm just really ignorant about this stuff so forgive me. I did a search and found a lot of info on buying the right tires for the right rims or trying to make different configurations work, but I didn't understand some of it and couldn't find this specific one.

I drive an '06 Base.

I know that the two most popular Z winter tire choices are the Blizzaks and the Dunlop Wintersport.


At discounttiredirect they have 4 Wintersports, 245/45R-18 96H BLK, shipped, for a little under a G.

I am wondering if going with the 245 all around is OK on the stock rims or I should not settle for less than 225 up front and 245's in the back.

Also if anyone can suggest a more affordable merchant for tires that would be great.

 

For winter you want narrower tires, so a 225/245 or 225/235 setup will handle better in the snow than a 245 setup all around and maintain your stagger. You'd be better off picking up a set of 17s however unless you have another set of rims for the summer and are planning on using your stocks for just the winter

 

Thanks bro.

I would love to get a set of rims for the snow tires but I am in a slight financial crunch.. I could charge whatever I need to but I haven't carried a balance on my cards in 6 months and I'd prefer to keep it that way. What I really wanted to do was buy a beater but when you're trying to find something decent for a few grand it is tough as all f unless you got a friend of a friend situation. Snow's headed to NY this weekend. Might have to look into renting something for the weekend just to be safe.

Damn me.

 

Agree. Without VDC there is no need to worry about overall tire height. For winter tires, thin is in. I would prefer 17x7 inch wheels all around. But if you want to use the OEM wheels fine.

 

I picked up a set of used OEM g35 sedan wheels for $150 and a set of michelin alpine pa2 in 225/50/17 and 235/50/17 for $800 so I got a set of wheels and tires for under a G

 

David - Thanks.. looks like 17's are the way to go winterwise

Red - Pays to do some shopping around. I'll definitely be looking into used rims.

First snow of the winter, less than an inch, but still, coming late night tonight. Learned my lesson last winter, won't be jeapordizing the Z or my life until I make a purchase