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      11-04-2012, 10:41 PM   #1
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Question About Winter Tires/Wheels

Coming from So Cal, I've never experienced driving in snow and I have some questions.

1. Why do people use smaller wheels during the winter opposed to summer? I've seen people use 19' during summer and then use like 17' and 18' during winter.

2. What is the best winter tire available?

3. Where can you buy them relatively cheap?

THANKS!
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      11-04-2012, 10:47 PM   #2
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Smaller wheels give you bigger tires. Bigger tires help in the snow. People don't really want their nice rims driving through snow and slush, either.

Best is subjective. I hear Blizzaks are good. You can't really go wrong.

Tirerack has good prices on many different brands.
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      11-04-2012, 10:49 PM   #3
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People go smaller on their winter setup to save money.

I recommend you check out tirerack.com to build your own winter setup.

You can see some winter tire testing here: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...let?perfType=W
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      11-05-2012, 08:27 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by The Low Key OG View Post
Smaller wheels give you bigger tires. Bigger tires help in the snow. People don't really want their nice rims driving through snow and slush, either.

Best is subjective. I hear Blizzaks are good. You can't really go wrong.

Tirerack has good prices on many different brands.
This is backwards. Smaller (narrower) tires are better in the snow as they will dig in and go through snow more readily than a wide tire that will not sink in as much. Most people go smaller because of this and cost.
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      11-05-2012, 08:31 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by The Low Key OG View Post
Smaller wheels give you bigger tires. Bigger tires help in the snow. People don't really want their nice rims driving through snow and slush, either.

Best is subjective. I hear Blizzaks are good. You can't really go wrong.

Tirerack has good prices on many different brands.
+1

When I lived in the Rockies my winter setup was a 16" wheel with Blizzaks
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      11-05-2012, 08:59 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sara504 View Post
+1

When I lived in the Rockies my winter setup was a 16" wheel with Blizzaks
Tire would have had a bigger sidewall but tread would have been narrower. Thats the best setup.
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      11-05-2012, 09:13 AM   #7
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Some confusing answers here. Let me try to clarify:

1. People generally go with smaller diameter wheels so that the tire can have a taller sidewall and stilll have the same overall rolling diameter. The reason is that in the winter the roads tend to be more potholes, and they can be difficult to see under the slush, and hence you are more likely to hit potholes at speed. Going with a taller sidewall provides more cushion for the wheel from the impact of the pot hole, and hence the rim is less likely to be damaged.

People also go with smaller width tires than in summer because it gives better grip in snow and slush.

2 & 3 - go to tirerack.com and do some research. First question to you is run-flats or regular tires? Also consider the amount of snow that you get in your area and the terrain - I would recommemd a different tire if you are driving up to the ski resorts in CO as opposed to commuting around NYC. Your profile says you are in San Diego, but I expect you are asking these questions becaise you'll be driving elsewhere.
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      11-05-2012, 10:36 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ChipB View Post
Some confusing answers here. Let me try to clarify:

1. People generally go with smaller diameter wheels so that the tire can have a taller sidewall and stilll have the same overall rolling diameter. The reason is that in the winter the roads tend to be more potholes, and they can be difficult to see under the slush, and hence you are more likely to hit potholes at speed. Going with a taller sidewall provides more cushion for the wheel from the impact of the pot hole, and hence the rim is less likely to be damaged.

People also go with smaller width tires than in summer because it gives better grip in snow and slush.

2 & 3 - go to tirerack.com and do some research. First question to you is run-flats or regular tires? Also consider the amount of snow that you get in your area and the terrain - I would recommemd a different tire if you are driving up to the ski resorts in CO as opposed to commuting around NYC. Your profile says you are in San Diego, but I expect you are asking these questions becaise you'll be driving elsewhere.

So what is the preferred diameter of the wheel and type of tires for upstate new york driving. (I'm expecting heavy snowfall)
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      11-05-2012, 11:06 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sara504 View Post
+1

When I lived in the Rockies my winter setup was a 16" wheel with Blizzaks
Isn't 17" minimum on our cars?
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      11-05-2012, 11:15 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BMW_Belgier View Post
Isn't 17" minimum on our cars?
I had a 2006 325 when I lived in the mountains.
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      11-05-2012, 11:20 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by krnet2dboi View Post
Coming from So Cal, I've never experienced driving in snow and I have some questions.

1. Why do people use smaller wheels during the winter opposed to summer? I've seen people use 19' during summer and then use like 17' and 18' during winter.

2. What is the best winter tire available?

3. Where can you buy them relatively cheap?

THANKS!
1. Why do people use smaller wheels during the winter opposed to summer? I've seen people use 19' during summer and then use like 17' and 18' during winter.

The smaller diameter helps prevent snow build-up in wheel wells and also prvides wheel protection on icy uneven roads. Also, the winter tire compound is softer and designed to maintain optimal grip in cold temps unlike summer tires that become stiff below 40-45 deg and losses their handling performance

2. What is the best winter tire available?

The best is subjective since there are studded and stud-less tires available. Generally in USA most folks use stud-less unless you live in an area is covered in snow and ice for months. I personally use Bridgestone LM-25 in PA. I believe they are winter performance tire optimized for dry winter road handling (stiffer sidewall + cold weather rubber compund).

3. Where can you buy them relatively cheap?

I would look for used sets on this forum for best value. If you are looking for a new set I would check out Tirerack. My tires are 225/45 R17 all around mounted on R17/7.5 wheels.
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      11-05-2012, 11:31 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sara504 View Post
I had a 2006 325 when I lived in the mountains.
Ah ok! Just wondering...

I drive my 193m 18" wheels in winter... But these 225/255 combination winter tires is killing my budget...
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      11-05-2012, 12:01 PM   #13
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FYI...you really dont need to run a smaller diameter. I used 18's on my 135 and will be using the same size on my 335. It is a non-staggered set up on stock wheels b/c I did not want to buy another set. I prefer Bridgestone's so I bought the LM 60's for this Winter. The WS 60's on my 135 were a bit overkill last year since we did not have much snow (one blizzard). Tirerack.com - fast delivery and good pricing. GL
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      11-05-2012, 12:53 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ken1137 View Post
FYI...you really dont need to run a smaller diameter. I used 18's on my 135 and will be using the same size on my 335. It is a non-staggered set up on stock wheels b/c I did not want to buy another set. I prefer Bridgestone's so I bought the LM 60's for this Winter. The WS 60's on my 135 were a bit overkill last year since we did not have much snow (one blizzard). Tirerack.com - fast delivery and good pricing. GL
What if I am on 19' Staggered Right now?

Should I purchase 18' or 17'? Or just buy winter tires for 19'?
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      11-05-2012, 01:12 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by krnet2dboi View Post
What if I am on 19' Staggered Right now?

Should I purchase 18' or 17'? Or just buy winter tires for 19'?
The cost of wheels and winters in 17" or 18" would equal the cost of 19" winter tires...plus there is change over. If you have a dedicated set you can change them yourself.
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      11-05-2012, 01:19 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NokTurNaL 330i View Post
1. Why do people use smaller wheels during the winter opposed to summer? I've seen people use 19' during summer and then use like 17' and 18' during winter.

The smaller diameter helps prevent snow build-up in wheel wells and also prvides wheel protection on icy uneven roads. Also, the winter tire compound is softer and designed to maintain optimal grip in cold temps unlike summer tires that become stiff below 40-45 deg and losses their handling performance

2. What is the best winter tire available?

The best is subjective since there are studded and stud-less tires available. Generally in USA most folks use stud-less unless you live in an area is covered in snow and ice for months. I personally use Bridgestone LM-25 in PA. I believe they are winter performance tire optimized for dry winter road handling (stiffer sidewall + cold weather rubber compund).

3. Where can you buy them relatively cheap?

I would look for used sets on this forum for best value. If you are looking for a new set I would check out Tirerack. My tires are 225/45 R17 all around mounted on R17/7.5 wheels.
The overall diameter should be the same as your summer set up . Everyone recommends narrower tires.
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      11-05-2012, 01:40 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by krnet2dboi View Post
What if I am on 19' Staggered Right now?

Should I purchase 18' or 17'? Or just buy winter tires for 19'?
I would buy a used set of 18's, the cost shouldnt be much different per the other post. I was lucky, had a set of stock wheels sitting in storage.
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      11-05-2012, 03:52 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 335BBS View Post
This is backwards. Smaller (narrower) tires are better in the snow as they will dig in and go through snow more readily than a wide tire that will not sink in as much. Most people go smaller because of this and cost.
Of course narrower tires are better. I meant the aspect ratio of the sidewall. You don't want 20" low profile tires in the snow, lol. Smaller wheels = higher aspect ratios in the same space provided.
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      11-05-2012, 03:54 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 335BBS
Quote:
Originally Posted by krnet2dboi View Post
What if I am on 19' Staggered Right now?

Should I purchase 18' or 17'? Or just buy winter tires for 19'?
The cost of wheels and winters in 17" or 18" would equal the cost of 19" winter tires...plus there is change over. If you have a dedicated set you can change them yourself.
I have always maintained a dedicated set of winter wheels. This is the best idea IMHO because your wheels get messed up in the winter. I would NOT recommend running 19s in a northeast winter. I can't imagine they would come out looking nice for the following summer
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      11-06-2012, 12:56 PM   #20
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krnet2dboi,

You will likely find that 19" winter tires are expensive and less effective in the snow conditions you'll be experiencing in upstate NY. Since this is your first "real" winter, I would suggest a more aggressive winter tire like the Blizzak WS-70 in size 225/45R17 on all four wheels. Pair them up with Sport Edition A7 or Rial Salerno wheels (or any other wheel that you like the style of) and you'll be better off than many other vehicles on the road with all season tires.

I can ship them to you mounted and balanced, complete with sensors and ready to bolt on for about the same price as 19" staggered winter tires only. You'll also save some wear and tear on your summer wheels. Check out my winter sticky for a bit more info.

Direct link to the winter section of our site :

Winter http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AH8&...nter/index.jsp
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      11-07-2012, 08:57 AM   #21
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I had Dunlop Graspic DS-3's on my 325i and the thing was a beast in the snow. I live in Cleveland where the snow is treacherous and would zoom by all the cars on the highway, and I was RWD. Size was 225/45/17.
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      11-07-2012, 04:26 PM   #22
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Is tirerack cheaper? or Discount Tires?
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