Opinions, please.
I'm finally getting to buying winter wheels and tires since I sold my Camry. I want to get them soon, as you might imagine. So, going by what Tire Rack has ready to go ....
I can't decide 16 or 17" wheels. Alex at Tire Rack suggested 16's with 205/60Dunlop Wintersport 3D or, if I want 17s, the 215/50 Blizzak. The nod goes to the 16" for snow capability and rim protection, allowing for the taller/narrower tire. They are also cheaper. The 17" wheels will look better but I can only get them in 215's, and I'm not very preoccupied with appearance (all being equal though I'd go with the better look).
I'm happy with both tire suggestions, but a few questions:
Is that much taller tire going to make a huge difference in rim protection?
Will a 205 vs 215 make a huge difference in snow cutting ability?
I'm in Chicago suburbs and would like to err on the side of extra snow capability as opposed to better ride/handling. I drive the car modestly for the most part but like to push it now and then (get that back end coming out a bit ....).
Am I making the wrong decision to go with "Studless Ice and Snow" tires? I haven't had a car with snow tires for over 25 years and that was on a 60's rear drive land yacht. Somehow I got through those tweener years with all-seasons on front drives.
I guess, if nice weather rolls around, it's not too much trouble to break out the summers.
It's still gonna be better handling than the Camry, right?(uhm)
Also, please feel free to recommend good looking (preferably not 10 spoke) wheels for under $150 ea. Car is black.
Thanks for your time.
Update: the only 16" wheel they have is the Sport Edition F10
The best 17 wheel lin terms of price and availability ooks like the Borbet FS, or Sport Edition F2.
I'm finally getting to buying winter wheels and tires since I sold my Camry. I want to get them soon, as you might imagine. So, going by what Tire Rack has ready to go ....
I can't decide 16 or 17" wheels. Alex at Tire Rack suggested 16's with 205/60Dunlop Wintersport 3D or, if I want 17s, the 215/50 Blizzak. The nod goes to the 16" for snow capability and rim protection, allowing for the taller/narrower tire. They are also cheaper. The 17" wheels will look better but I can only get them in 215's, and I'm not very preoccupied with appearance (all being equal though I'd go with the better look).
I'm happy with both tire suggestions, but a few questions:
Is that much taller tire going to make a huge difference in rim protection?
Will a 205 vs 215 make a huge difference in snow cutting ability?
I'm in Chicago suburbs and would like to err on the side of extra snow capability as opposed to better ride/handling. I drive the car modestly for the most part but like to push it now and then (get that back end coming out a bit ....).
Am I making the wrong decision to go with "Studless Ice and Snow" tires? I haven't had a car with snow tires for over 25 years and that was on a 60's rear drive land yacht. Somehow I got through those tweener years with all-seasons on front drives.
I guess, if nice weather rolls around, it's not too much trouble to break out the summers.
It's still gonna be better handling than the Camry, right?(uhm)
Also, please feel free to recommend good looking (preferably not 10 spoke) wheels for under $150 ea. Car is black.
Thanks for your time.
Update: the only 16" wheel they have is the Sport Edition F10
The best 17 wheel lin terms of price and availability ooks like the Borbet FS, or Sport Edition F2.
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