16" vs. 17" Wheels for the Winter

[c23118]

After two Kansas winters on the stock tires and wheels I'm convinced to go with a dedicated winter setup. My question is should I downsize to 16" or 17" wheels? How does that choice determine which tires to buy?

It only snows 3-4 times each winter, and never very deep, 4-6 inches max. We get plenty of ice, which brings the sand and slush to deal with. The rest of the time the streets are dry and clear, so I want as aggressive a tire as I can get that will still keep me on the road when the weather comes.

 

[CTt3P5]

Sounds to me like a performance snow tire is what you are looking for.

Two pros to 16" over 17" are cost and width. 16" tires will obviously be cheaper to buy upfront and replace over the years and they will allow you to run a narrower tire which results in better traction in the snow vs. a wider tire.

 

[Nliiitend1]

Sounds to me like a 17" Performance Winter tire would be perfect for you.

I ran 215/50R17 Dunlop Wintersport M3 tires on 17"x7" alloy wheels as my winter setup before I moved from Chicago to FL and I was very pleased with the combination of sportiness and snow/ice traction I got out of it.

 

[mndsm]

I've got goodyear Ultragrip Ws3's (I think that's what they are anyhow) on a 16 inch wheel, and could not be happier.

 

[3speedy]

I bought a used set of Stock Speed wheels with sensors and had some Stock size Michelin X-ices put on. Hasn't snowed yet but they are pretty good so far. They don't feel as loose or unstable like my Hanook I-pikes mounted on 15's (different car). Hope that helps.

 

[c23118]

Thanks for the input everyone. I'm not asking much, I just want the dry performance of the 18" and the snow performance of the 16" at the price of a 14" setup.

I've been shopping TireRack, but the shipping costs (while justified for the weight) is tough to swallow. Been shopping Craig's list and eBay too, but no luck so far. Waiting for that super deal to come along that everyone seems to post about.

 

[CTt3P5]

Thanks for the input everyone. I'm not asking much, I just want the dry performance of the 18" and the snow performance of the 16" at the price of a 14" setup.

I've been shopping TireRack, but the shipping costs (while justified for the weight) is tough to swallow. Been shopping Craig's list and eBay too, but no luck so far. Waiting for that super deal to come along that everyone seems to post about.

Not sure how much cheaper it would be or if they'd have the wheel/tire combo you are looking for but discounttiredirect offers free shipping.

 

[mndsm]

Yeah, as far as used, have to keep an eye out. I got my tire/wheel combo from a mbr that had one season on them before totalling his ms3 (cosmic curse FTL) and going to a Cavbalt SS.

 

[Metro Gray]

Just bought Bridgestone Blizzak's 205/16 and Black Steel Wheels for this winter. Mounted, balanced and shipped for $650 from Tire Rack.

 

[c23118]

Not sure how much cheaper it would be or if they'd have the wheel/tire combo you are looking for but discounttiredirect offers free shipping.

Thanks for that. I settled on the 16" Momo wheels and Michelin PA3's from Discount Tire. $827 OTD - $70 Rebate from Michelin = $757. Not a steal, but the winter weather is on the way and I don't want to be sitting in a ditch because I waited too long.