mic43

Would I be an idiot if I got 245/45-19 winter tires for the north east? I was going to get narrow 17 inch wheels but an acura dealer was selling the 19 inch acura chrome look accessory rims for $580 shipped and I really like how they look.

They are the same wheels on this thread (cheaper dealer though):
https://acurazine.com/forums/1g-rdx-tires-wheels-suspension-362/factory-rdx-19-accessory-rims-promotion-752078/



Would the extra width and size really make that much difference when winter driving (ex. make the car "float" in the snow, etc). Or is the compromise really not that significant when compared to smaller winter tires.

cwepruk

I don't think there is much difference. I'ved use 195's and 245's in the snow and they're fine. I'm running 245's in my Infiniti right now and I had them on my Maxima too and it will be fine.

The theory behind a thinner tires is that it will cut through thick snow better, but I highly doubt 10-20mm will really make much difference and even though we get some snow, it's rare that any of the main roads have deep snow for longer than a couple hours (get's packed when people drive and then it gets plowed).

scudzuki

Since I live in SE PA, where we rarely get enough snow to worry about anymore, I elected to not get a 2nd set for the winter. If things really got that bad, I could take out the F150 p/u beater. But if I was in New England (or somewhere where the winter months bring continuous snow coverage) I'd get the least expensive 17" wheels with narrower than stock tires. The potential to uncover something hidden in the snow (or slide into something) that could FUBAR a perfectly good mag wheel is too great in those conditions. But that's just me.

Joe