Best size for all season tires?

[MikeK]

I need to get tires for my MS3 after seeing how bad the stock ones really are in the snow this last week (I've only had the car for three weeks, so I hadn't gotten around to the tire stuff yet). I really don't think I need snow tires since I've always had good luck buying performance all seasons like the Continental Extreme Contacts, but nothing comes in 215/45/18 size that I can find. I've found two different websites that give information on tire sizes, but they conflict in their answers as to whether 225/40/18's are better than 225/45/18's.

Can anyone help me out out here? I need to buy something this week before we get any more snow, and I can't get out of my driveway!

Thanks

Mike

 

[h0rde]

I have Bridgestone Potenza 960 pole position all-seasons on my MS3 and they're working out beautifully. They go fine on snow and dry/wet grip is also good. I went with 225/45/18s and don't have any problems, and I'd recommend this setup to anyone looking for all-seasons.

Edit: 225/45 will keep your speedometer more accurate than 225/40. You would need 245/40/18 to be as close as possible to stock with a 40 series, and I don't think anyone has confirmed that fitment, especially on a 7" wheel.

 

[dread]

I just got the pirelli nero pzero ms from tire rack for 125 each in the stock size. so far so good but haven't tried them in the rain or snow yet. But at least they are not plastic in the cold like the stock tires. They get great reviews on tirerack as well.

 

[MikeK]

Thanks guys. I'm looking at the Continental Extreme Contacts right now. They get review that fall in between the Pirellis and the Bridgestones, but cost about the same as the Pirellis (a few bucks a tire more for slightly better snow traction reivews).

h0rde, thanks for your comments on size. That's really helpful.

 

[MadOzodi]

The Pirelli PZero Nero Mud 'n Snows are an AWESOME all season tire. They made my 00 Mustang GT driveable in the snow!!! I feel completely secure with those tires in a downpour as well as when it just begins to rain, when I'm driving the stang.