Who is switching to winter tires and steel wheels?

This is exactly what would be expected when going from 19" to 17" because the 17" tires have a taller profile.
Manufacturers simply follow demand with big wheels because it looks "cooler" or more "sporty", more "luxurious" etc. in the eyes of the average consumer.

Other than providing clearance for bigger brakes (Which could be negated if modern vehicles did not weigh so much) There is literally no practical benefit to bigger wheels with skinnier tires.

You can achieve the same handling/steering response with smaller wheels and thicker aspect ratio tires by adjusting tire pressure within reason. If anything, smaller wheels are usually lighter, offering an advantage.

The actual reason why the new tires felt softer and less precise was likely due to a combination that the tires still need to be broken in, they are winters with a softer compound, and a simple matter of adjusting tire PSI's.
 
Winter mode engaged yesterday with WS90. Went down from 19 to 17 on aftermarket alloys (Fast switch 17 x 7.5 +45 wheels)

View attachment 377369

Looks good! I have the same wheels, albeit in 18".

IMG_2836.webp
 
I listed in the For Sale "marketplace" forum of this site a barely used (approx. 10/32" remaining) set of Continental VikingContact 7 winter tires, 225 65 17, mounted on old Mazda factory CX-7 wheels, a directly compatible wheel fitment for a CX-5.

I got the excellent winter Contis (Consumer Reports highly rated) to replace some Michelin X-Ice, also a great tire, back when I didn't anticipate the car moving from Michigan to the US South.

It'll survive down there fine on its brand new set of GY's latest all-weather tires (mainly in prep for any treks back North, as this car's driver has no need to brave any winter road conditions that simply cripple traffic down South).
 
Has anyone on here heard of or driven on Starfire winter tires? I just got some mounted today. RSW 5.0
 
"Has anyone on here heard of or driven on Starfire winter tires?"
Well, the company's webpage shows this physical address, so maybe you could visit or write them to ask about quality:
  • 0596 Main Street, Suite 033, Cityville, State, 46130, USA

Apparently, it's an off-brand (cheaper, Amazon sold) marketed by Cooper Tires, itself headquartered in Findlay, OH, the location of which I happened by just months ago and the zip code of which doesn't even match that of Cityville, State, USA. The Starfire web page needlessly makes one wonder just how bargain basement these tires are, though, eh? Where were your tires manufactured, according to their legally required sidewall embossing?
 
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"Has anyone on here heard of or driven on Starfire winter tires?"
Well, the company's webpage shows this physical address, so maybe you could visit or write them to ask about quality:
  • 0596 Main Street, Suite 033, Cityville, State, 46130, USA

Apparently, it's an off-brand (cheaper, Amazon sold) marketed by Cooper Tires, itself headquartered in Findlay, OH, the location of which I happened by just months ago and the zip code of which doesn't even match that of Cityville, State, USA. The Starfire web page needlessly makes one wonder just how bargain basement these tires are, though, eh? Where were your tires manufactured, according to their legally required sidewall embossing?
The contact email is
The tires are made in China.

Oh well. I won't judge until I see how they perform. If I can get two winter seasons out of them, that's fine. I got them in like new condition for $480 CAD, so hard to complain if they are alright.
 
The tires are made in China.

Oh well. I won't judge until I see how they perform. If I can get two winter seasons out of them, that's fine. I got them in like new condition for $480 CAD, so hard to complain if they are alright.
I'm relieved that you didn't purchase these new at retail pricing!
Safe winter driving.
 
I'm relieved that you didn't purchase these new at retail pricing!


Yes well, I was actually just about the pull the trigger on some Motomaster Winter Edge 2's (Made by Hankook) On sale at Canadian Tire. About $700CAD after tax. However, I have a trustworthy connection for used tires near me whom I have dealt with in the past. He happened to have these Starfire's, DOT wasn't too old, price was good, decided to save the $250 and go for the Starfire's instead.

I'm not planning to keep this car. The mileage is high, and i'm after a manual transmission for my next car. Otherwise, I would have paid full price for some new X-Ice's and called it a day.


Safe winter driving.
I appreciate that! Same to you. Here in Central Ontario, Canada, last winter was insane. We had so much snow.
 

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