GldnDomr76

I just bought a 2005 RL with 6600 miles on the odometer. Based upon what I read about the OEM tires, it sounds like I should use snow tires here in Michigan (is there anybody who DOES like the OEM Michelins in the snow?) But snow tires in a 245/50-17 format are few and far between. Tire Rack suggests 225/55-17 as an alternative, which does provide far more options. The owners manual cautions against using anything other than the factory recommended 245/50-17, and talks of various problems if an alternate size is used. Does anybody have experience with putting 225/55-17 snow tires on the car? Problems?

For snow tires I would have to get an extra set of rims. Where is the best place to purchase the air pressure sensor modules (i.e. possibly discounted from full list at a dealer)?

Finally, what is prevailing thought about switching to an 18" wheel for summer tires? Advantages and disadvantages?

All comments will be appreciated. Thanks.

vp911

Congrats on the new car. I am also in Michigan - but I just purchased the car a couple months ago - so I have not had experience in the snow yet.

First, as far as the OEM tires - Get rid of them. I switched immediately to the Michellin Pilot Sport A/S. - All season tires.

If I were in your position, I would get the 18" wheels with summer or all season tires - and then put winter tires on your OEM wheels.

I just purchased the 18" chrome wheels with the pilot sports. I am thinking about selling my pilot sport a/s from the 17" wheels and getting snow tires for them.

hondamore

Look around on this forum for other threads discussing winter tires - much of this has been covered. I agree with The Tire Rack about the sizing for snow tires and I bought 225/55/17 Dunlop Wintersport M3's to mount on my stock 17's. No snow here yet (knock wood) so I can't comment on the M3's personally, but they did get great reviews everywhere I looked. Regarding the manufacturers warning, if you are careful to match the stock diameter, and don't vary too much from stock width, there shouldn't be a problem. I've used narrower than stock winter tires for many many years with no problems. One of our local Acura dealerships actually installed the narrower snow tires on my 17's and said that the 225's are also the size that they recommend. Good luck.

melly

i am going to get the 225/55-17s in the M3s. i heard they are great tires. i started a similar thread a month ago - check it out.

mark

vp911

I was just reading it if I can sell the pilot sport a/s on my 17" wheels I will buy those.