225x45x18 on Stock MS3 Rims

[WagonMan]

Anyone know if this will work?

I want to use the stock wheels for snow tires and get something lighter and wider for the summer (likely in a 17" size)

I know wider is not better on snows, but I don't mind the small difference as we don't get that much heavy snow in Toronto. I'm more concerned about maximizing traction on the majority of days that are dry but cold (I will take the subway on the really snowy days). In addtion there is a very limited selection of winter 215x45x18 tires available.

Ideally I would like to use the Dunlop M3 in 225x45x18. I have this tire on my 540 wagon (in a 225x55x16 size) and think they work great.

 

[jheer]

Anyone know if this will work?

I want to use the stock wheels for snow tires and get something lighter and wider for the summer (likely in a 17" size)

I know wider is not better on snows, but I don't mind the small difference as we don't get that much heavy snow in Toronto. I'm more concerned about maximizing traction on the majority of days that are dry but cold (I will take the subway on the really snowy days). In addtion there is a very limited selection of winter 215x45x18 tires available.

Ideally I would like to use the Dunlop M3 in 225x45x18. I have this tire on my 540 wagon (in a 225x55x16 size) and think they work great.

It SHOULD work because 10mm is not much of a difference. I don't think clearance will be a problem. The speedo will have a 1.4% difference.

Tell us more about the Dunlop M3. What did you like and dislike? I need snow tires SOON, so inquiring minds ...

 

[WagonMan]

It SHOULD work because 10mm is not much of a difference. I don't think clearance will be a problem. The speedo will have a 1.4% difference.

Tell us more about the Dunlop M3. What did you like and dislike? I need snow tires SOON, so inquiring minds ...

Thanks for the response.

As for the M3s, I like that they don't feel like a real downgrade from the summer tires (goodyear F1 GSD3, 235/45/17). Of course the initial turn in is not as good and the limits are lower, but they still feel nicely balanced, and feel as if you are driving on a sport oriented tire, rather then a winter one.

Noise wise they are fine, no worse then the goodyears.

In the snow they work pretty well, I park in an alley behind my house that is not cleared so over the winter icy ruts develop and when it snows you are driving in fresh snow over ice, and I have not gotten stuck yet.

Prior to these I had the M2 Dunlop snow tires, the M3s are definately the better choice, and felel more responsive and confidence inspiring in the snow then the older tires. That being said the 540 is never going to be a great snow car.

I would be happy with them on my MS3, but would likely go for the new Dunlop 3D snow tires if they came in the right size.

Most of my driving is in the city, so I prefer the performance snow tires to the
more hardcore snows, but if I lived in the country of spent much time driving to ski country I might go with something more snow focused.

I noticed the tirerack recommended package for the MS3 and am surprised they recommend a Q rated tire (up to 160kph). In a car like the MS3 it is not uncommon for me to be over that speed from time to time. Plus the REVO1 they recommend is around the same price as the Dunlop M3. You will give up some snow performance with the M3, but maintain a reasonable speed rating, and will keep a good portion of your summer tire handling.

 

[jheer]

I noticed the tirerack recommended package for the MS3 and am surprised they recommend a Q rated tire (up to 160kph). In a car like the MS3 it is not uncommon for me to be over that speed from time to time. Plus the REVO1 they recommend is around the same price as the Dunlop M3. You will give up some snow performance with the M3, but maintain a reasonable speed rating, and will keep a good portion of your summer tire handling.

I ordered a set of Blizzak REVO 1 in 205/60/16 on new Kosei K1 Racing wheels. I thought about the Q rating, too, but I figure that I'd be crazy to go over 100 mph in winter anyway. I live in Cleveland, so the snow comes often and in big quantities. I need the safety of the added traction for the 6 months of winter here ;-P

 

[WagonMan]

I ordered a set of Blizzak REVO 1 in 205/60/16 on new Kosei K1 Racing wheels. I thought about the Q rating, too, but I figure that I'd be crazy to go over 100 mph in winter anyway. I live in Cleveland, so the snow comes often and in big quantities. I need the safety of the added traction for the 6 months of winter here ;-P

Makes sense, in Toronto we only get 2-3 big snow falls a year, most of the time the roads are clear and dry, but cold.