whoopsy

Considering how rough the winter months are sometimes here in Montreal, has anyone else considered putting on winter tires on their RLX?

Currently driving 2014 Crystal Black Pearl with Tech with default 245/40R19.

I am thinking about downsizing to 17" for the winter months but I am not sure which size would be better. Tire rack seems to indicate to go with 245/50R17 or 235/55R17 however online tire size calculators seem to indicate that 225/55R17 is the closest to the default size.

Would 225/55R17 even fit on the RLX?

I am leaning towards either the Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 or the Michelin X-Ice 3 in either 235/55R17 or 225/55R17. As far as 17" rims go, what do you guys think about mounting 17" BBS SR on an RLX? Is that even possible?

Any other recommendations on tires or rims?

hondamore

17 inch rims may be too small, but we know for sure that P245/45 R18 will fit as that is the standard sizing for the RLX. The two tire brands that you mentioned are both excellent for pure snow and ice traction but you could consider a "performance winter snow tire" such as the Bridgestone Blizzak LM-32, Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4 or even the Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 if you are searching for better performance when there is not as much snow or ice. They won't have the pure gripping power in deep snow or on sheer ice, but they will be more fun to drive for all the days between the big snow storms.

mgalbr22

Consider the Pirelli sottozeros. I have them on my ghibli.

neuronbob

Leaning toward stock sized Blizzak LM-32s. I wish the LM-60 was still available, though, I have them on my CTS-V and they are TENACIOUS in the snow and on ice. It's like driving on dry pavement. I can't imagine how much better they would be on an AWD car.

hondamore

The Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4 seem to be the top rated tires on Tire Rack and the specs say that they are 3 lbs per tire lighter than the Sottozero and the LM-32?? Looking at the tread patterns, it looks like the LM-32 or the sottozero would be better in deep snow.
Just fyi, let me know what you end up with and how you like 'em.

George Knighton

In Virginia, last winter was bad.

But I got through it okay with my previous RLX and the OEM rubber.

I'll probably try to do that again.

Malibu Flyer

Living in the L A area I don't need snow tires......I gave them up when I left Connecticut decades ago. However I do go skiing and will need chains when I do. So where do I out chains on the Sports Hybrid?? With my RL it on the front wheels. Would the same hold true for the RLX Sports Hybrid???

neuronbob

Page 490 of the hybrid manual says to put chains only on the front tires, and to use "SCC radial chain SC1040".

Malibu Flyer

Thanks.

I see you are reading the Sports Hybrid manual already! Did you download it online?

When do you think your car will show up?

neuronbob

Yup, I've been reading the voluminous manual. 600 pages!

My car will be arriving today and I'll be picking it up tomorrow pending agreement on the numbers.

Zoommer

According to CR Dec 2014 issue: Best Winter Tire=Michelin X-Ice X13; Best All Season WT H rated=Michelin Primacy MXV4 (Conti second) and V rated=Continental PureContact (Michelin second). In my experience with non WTs the Conti's last longer and have greater tread life. My last of Conti ExtrmeContact DWS were top notch.

hondamore

The x-ice xi3 is a winter traction tire whereas the Pilot Alpin PA4 is a winter performance tire. The xi3 will grip better in snow and on ice whereas the PA4 will offer better handling and "performance" in winter conditions. Depending on how much snow your area gets and how much you value the cars handling in the winter will determine which category of winter tire is best suited for you.
My two cents.

whoopsy

Decided on 18" Michelin x-ice xi3. Gonna install them in about 2 weeks.
Ordered some 18" Enkei Raijin in gunmetal as well. I had a hard time deciding on hyper silver or gunmetal.

hondamore

Great choice, whoopsy, let us know how they do in La Belle Province.

Edward'TLS

My PA4 snow tire review :

https://acurazine.com/forums/tires-w...in-pa4-879471/