Hey guys,

I want your advice..Should I just get some high performance 18" winter tires on the stock 18" wheels..Or go for 17" wheels/winter tire combo? Anyone?

Any sudgestions on decent looking 17" winter wheels?? I REALLY dont want to rock 16's!!!!

Thanks!

Mike

 

I'd suggest going with the 17s. The tires are considerably cheaper and a wheel/tire combo will cost you just a little more than the 18s. You also won't have to worry about your 18s getting dinged up in the salt, gravel, and sand they throw on the roads.

 

Another thing to think about is that it is much easier to swap out rims + tires than it is to swap out tires. And you don't want to just leave the winters on, since they'll wear quickly in the summer and compromise dry traction.

I purchased ASA JH3 rims with Dunlop Graspic DS-2 tires. The rims are very similar to stock, were very cheap, and I don't care if they get corroded from salt or if I curb them.

 

Dude, how are those Dunlop DS2's??
I got the same winter wheel setup but I went with M3 Sports. Mine stick like absolute glue. I can't beleive how well this car handles in the winter.

 

The DS2s are really stable in the snow and rain. Not that great on dry pavement at the limit. Even with 37lbs of air, I get sidewall flex and its way too easy break the rears loose.

I don't regret my purchase though...althought I can't wait until Apr 1st.

 

I think most people with aftermarket summer rims and tires usually just add snow tires to their 18's cuz they'll only use them for that period anyway. So I guess it kinda depends on you. I heard the 18's with snows are pretty good depending of course on which tire you get...

-Vin

 

go with 17" wheel/winter tire combo. Winter brings in lots of potholes, you will be better of with 17s than 18s.

 

im getting some 19'' wheels in a month, and once i do, come next winter im gonna purchase some winter tires for the stock 18s...as the stock 18s will be my beater rims for winter...so id see what your plans are in the long run...if you decide to later upgrade to 19s 20s...no point in getting 17s...if u plan on upgrading your wheels, get winter 18s to go w/ the stock 18s and use those!!

 

BlackM6C
I went with a winter set up as well....17" Dunlop M3's on ASA KA3 rims....

So far they have been great. the ride actually improved a little over the low profile 18's, but I think you sacrifice a little in the handling dept.

You may have a hard time finding snows this late in the season....
Good luck

 

Yeah, that is what I did. I knew I was getting bigger wheels in the future so I just bought winter tires for my stock 18" rims. But if you aren't planning to buy wheels in the future, I suggest you get a set of 17's for the winter. They will cost you a little more, but in the long, will save you money.

Example -

(4) 17x7.5 ASA JH3 Silver Painted - $516
(2) 235/50HR17 RF Pirelli Winter 210 SnowSport Blackwall - $332.00
(2) 225/50HR17 Pirelli Winter 210 SnowSport Blackwall - $294.00
_________________________
Total: $1,142.00


(2) 245/45VR18 XL Pirelli Winter 240 SnowSport Blackwall
(2) 225/45VR18 Pirelli Winter 240 SnowSport Blackwall
_________________________
Total: $742.00

For my 18's, I got the LM-22s. They costed about $1,000 with shipping. They are awesome in the snow. I don't have any fears of driving in the snow with this set up.

 

Are you saying that people only use their winter tires for a single season, or that they use their stock 18" rims for the winter tires because they have aftermarket 18"/19" rims?

 

I put blizzaks on 17"s and they are awesome!

DGU

 

Go with the 18" snows.