wht07tl

I have a 07 TL and im going to put winter tires on now. It was suggested to go with 215/50/17 instead of the factory size 235/45/17. They will be better in snow but how much stability am i giving up??? Just wondering what other owners are doing to get the best winter traction.

Thanks

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

OEM size for me-no worries.

TheDingo

Go w/ the OEM size... Conti DWS!

Srhayden21

I went with 235/55/17 taller, more sidewall...Looks like crap, but hits the bumps a little nicer as well!!! Was told larger profile would get better traction in the snow.. Went with Blizzak LM 60..

Rev_Hi

iTrader: (2)

I bought the contis DWS in stock size... bring on the snow!

TheDingo

SrHayden, I've heard really good things about the Blizzak tires as well. What did you pay for the tires? I'm thinking those are more expensive than the Conti DWS? No?


Edit: I just did my own research.. 137 per tire for the DWS and 160 for the Blizzak on TR.

Jesstzn

Why does everyone recommend the DWS .. they aren't a true winter tire.

OP .. I have run all kinds of dedicated and 90% of the performance of the tire is the connection between the brain and the gas peddle.

I am running Dunlop Grapics which arent a high end tire and am running a 225/45/17 which is narrower than stock and in the snow narrower is better. You cut through the snow not toboggan on it.

I live in snow country and high up on a hillside with numerous 180 Deg switchbacks and never had a problem getting home on any (dedicated ) winter tire.

There is a lot people running very expensive high end tires around here and none seem to have an advantage over someone with a little tallent and experience running a lower end tire.

NBP04TL4ME

OP, check your local CL listings. I've had three sets of dedicated snows all purchased locally from CL. Currently running Bridgestone WS-50s. Bought all 4 for $200 with tons of tread life on them.
Last prior set was purchased from An Audi owner moving to the south where they don't get snow. Current set from a Mustang owner who bought a new Mustang with 18" rims. I see BMW and Mercedes owners trading up or out and have now use for the snows.

BigPZ

I just recently purchased a set of Continental ContiWinterContact TS 810 in 235/45/17 which I'll be mounting on stock rim...kind of anxious to try them out

SharksBreath

iTrader: (33)

michellin pilot alpin III's in 235/45/17...i'll be mounting them in a few weeks so we'll see

IowaTL

After reading a bunch of reviews, I decided on the General Altimax Arctics in a 225/45 17. Having them mounted at the end of the week. Got em for $135 each delivered to my door.

JnC

iTrader: (12)

^^ Great choice, I had them for a couple of seasons, great for deep snow traction as well

wht07tl

I decided on Cooper Winter Xtremes 215/55/17 for $678 with taxes and installed. The $$ I save here I can spend it on new rims and tires in the spring.

Thanks for all the info fellas!

NBP04TL4ME

Interesting size - Just remember your speedo is going to be off by almost 4% (too slow).

binhsterbinh

Used Altimax Artic for 2005 Mazda3 Hatch 5-speed last season in 205/55/16. Traction is superb in snow and ice even without studs. Never got stuck once except on a really steep hill where I shouldn't have even tried going up. They're better than my first generation Michelin Artic Alpines. On the rain, it had a slight hum, but they gripped much better in cold weather rain than any other Ultra High Performance All Season I've owned as expected with soft rubber and sipping.

I just picked up a set of Altimax Artic non-studded for my 4Runner in 265/70/17 (~31.6"). It was between this or the cheaper Firestone Winterforces. The Altimax Artic are supposed to wear really well too compared to other studless tires without sacrificing a whole lot of traction if any.

There's probably good reason why Tirerack has never put the Altimax Artic up against Blizzaks WS70's or other more expensive studless winter tires...