I am looking into a new set of tires. I have the stock 215/55 17's currently on there, but was looking to expand to get tires that will have the best traction, gas mileage, while keeping the odometer and speed gauge as close to OEM standards as possible...
I am not to familiar with tires sizes but was looking at 225/55's

Would this be the best route for best traction for winter, (more rubber touching pavement). or are there better options?

 

keep the 215/55/17.. that's the best size..

in the winter.. your goal is to go narrower.. not wider.. more pressure on pavement..

keep the 215/55/17

 

Wouldn't have ever expected that answer.. Narrower for more traction.. I guess it makes sense though.. That's why they weight trucks with sandbags in the winter.. but will the 10mm be enough to notice more more pressure? and is this logical for both winter and summer.. Again, these are all season tires.. will be used in every element, Especially in my location of good ole St. Louis. We get: Rain, Sleet, Snow, Gravel, Sand, Mud, Dry, Deep Snow.. Pretty much everything.

 

For snows I would stick switch the 215's if you're going to have a separate set of snow/summer tires. As mentioned narrower = better for ice/snow traction. Every little bit helps. If you want to stick with one tire for year round and want to get out of the 215's I'd do a 225/55. Great selection of tires in that size to choose from and will help tighten things up in the summer but won't take away too much from the winter side.

 

I was considering going with a set of Mich Ice Xi2, but they would be my a/s tire as i can't afford to have two sets to swap out.

Would it be worth it going in this direction, or would that be a really bad idea to have this tire on during summer?

 

Should not use a dedicated winter in the summer. Will wear very fast and handle poorly during typical summer temps.