Bought my sedan in 03 and put on some Nissan 16 rims with Dunlop Graspic tires (205 I think) and worked out great, the car was a champ in the snow
for 4 years running. A friend offerd me his Dunlop Graspics that fit on my
17 inch mags that came with the car 215/55/17 and they are useless
even a slight hill and I can't make it. I can't believe its night and day.
I'm guessing it has something to do with the width, its embarassing
when everyone is moving around you and the wheels are just spinning.
I will add 150lbs and hopefully it makes a difference, any thoughts out there.

Thanks
GBoy

 

How old are they? Check the date codes. They could be old and dried up. Also how worn are they

Also, the shorter sidewall of the 17" rim vs 16" could allow less flex causing you to spin easier.

 

205's on a 16" rim will have a narrow profile...giving it the ability to trac through the snow much easier.

Going to the 17" rim with a wider tire will not allow the car to trac as well.
If you ever watch a winter car rally, you will see the drivers using the most narrow tire that they can go with.

Check how much tread is left on the tire. Where they bought new and not used?

I'm using the same set up with the OEM rims(17") with Blizzack WS 60's...not an issue so far this winter season.

 

I've run 215-55-17s Blizzaks WS50s and they were great. I have coupe 19s so I wanted to throw some snows on my stock 17s.

 

I can attest to how much lack of traction sucks.

 

Tires are new my buddy used them for one winter, the 130 lbs sandbag in the
trunk along with shutting off the VDC put her back to normal, but today the snow was cleaned up somewhat but I do feel more secure with the car, what
would be the ideal air pressure for those 215/55/17, thanks guys, appreciate
your help.

GBoy

 

1 year old snow tires are far from new, anytime you drive on them above 50F the friction heat changes the rubber parameters decreasing cold friction........acts like you are revulcanizing tires.

 

They are NEW compared to the 4 year old ones that I had, which were great.