Snow tire question

[NMerenda]

I do plan on running a set of studded snows on 16 inch steelies for my 02 gm. I could just get the stock 225/60/16 tires, but I want something a little bigger to give me a buffer if I rub against or hit a curb. Was looking at either 225/70s instead or maybe even 235s or 245s. What's the largest size I can run without having to worry about clearance issues?

[johnunit]

I would not go wider for a snow tire. Wider is generally bad, especially if you're somewhere so bad that studs are needed. You want to sink down to the bare ground quickly, not float on top.

225/70/16 will be at least at risk of rubbing, and your speedo will be reading low by about 5mph at 60. You will also lift your car by about an inch.


If you insist on going wider, what exact size do you want? 235/60/16 has a decent (but less than 225/60) tire selection. 245/50/16 is the only reasonably available 245 size that'll be about your diameter. It only has a few tires available, and the height will be a bit lower than stock.

Any wider than 245 on a 16" will have little to no snow tire choice.

[sly]

if you want taller for the potential curb bump... go with the 225/70. You'll just need to be gentle with turning if there's a dip. Personally, I'd just run stock size on the steelies and not worry about it. The steelies can take some abuse before being too bad to use.

[jaywish]

I am using 215-65-16 snow for the winter. As the other guys mentioned narrow is better in a snow tire. Tirerack has an explanation about that. That size does not really make the sidewalls higher and so leaves the speedo correct.

Dunlop has some good tires I believe the snows are all made in Germany or the US. This of course is subject to change like everything else in the world. They own Goodyear and often the Goodyears are really Dunlops with a bit of cosmetic change.

[NMerenda]

What you guys are saying makes sense. I wondered my little geo prizm did so well with skinny snow tires lol. I think I might just stick with the stock size to be safe, or go with a slightly taller sidewall. I'm not too worried about breaking a bead or anything. I have 285s on my truck that originally came with 235s, never had an issue.

[jaywish]

Just by the way do you have a posi rear? I have not had to use the chains since I put in a posi carrier.

[NMerenda]

I actually just installed a limited slip from an 04 mustang. I doubt I'll ever need chains. Just studs because I drive more in winter

[jaywish]

yea 2 wheel drive and studs should work pretty well in the snow and ice. About as well as can be expected. Just be careful not to expect the rear to hang in there on a hard power turn like with regular tires and no posi.

[Lincolnmania]

215/65/16 is a good choice, run steel wheels for bouncing off curbs, usually the lower control arm folds before the wheel anyway.

[Lincolnmania]

take it from jay, he drives like the world is about to end or something lol

[jaywish]

Hey you never know, practice, practice, practice.

[NMerenda]

Haha I do agree though. Everytime I get a new car I always take it to an empty lot to practice and learn how that vehicle responds to different conditions. I used to have a 99 silverado 4x4 ext cab so I'm no stranger to rwd in winter. I just wish they didn't use salt in NY. I actually LOVE driving in the snow so why remove it lol? I'm fine with plowing and even sand but salt literally ruins everything. My merc has already seen ny winters before so thats why I don't mind driving it during the winter months. I just like to be prepared. I've got myself a posi now, some steel rims, and sand bags. Now all I need is tires and remote start (mainly for the wife). I figure around September I'll grab some tires off tire rack, cuz you know, once September hits in western NY it's kind of a crapshoot when the snows gonna start lol.

[NMerenda]

I decided I am going to buy some studded snows now as General is offering a $50 rebate right now. I will be getting General Altimax Arctic studded winters, as I have had previous super satisfactory experience with them. You guys said previously that 215-65-16s were a great winter size alternative, but I have found 215-70-16s in the same tires for significantly less. Can I run the taller sidewall without clearance issues? What about ride quality, will it be affected much? My current tires size is 225/45/zr19, here is a size comparison of the two: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/tir...5r19-215-70r16

I am looking to buy in the next couple of days. What are y'alls opinions?

[jaywish]

The 70's will ride like pillows in comparison to what you have now. Generally, the higher the aspect ratio the softer the ride.

[SVT98t]

Truth.
I have 215/70/R15
Firestone WinterForces on the Tank and will try out the Goodyear I Can't Remember Model, 225/55/R17's on the Lincoln this year.
Where about in NY are you?
-ryan s.