Preferred Tire Size for a 17" Rim?

[Deuce]

225/45R17 OR 205/50R17 OR 215/45R17 ???

Overall diameter seems to be within 1 or 2% so not really an issue there.

To me, the 225 seems like too much rubber for a winter tire?
The 215, which is smaller than the other two overall... will drop the car a touch.
Finally, the 205 seems to me to be what you are looking for in a winter tire (ie. minimizing the contact patch on the road) however, is perhaps a 205 on a 7.5" rim too much of a stretch (ie. Pretty sure its fine however definitely at the limits of what's suggested for a 17" rim)?

Just curious what others thoughts were and what setup everyone else is planning on this winter.

Cheers... Deuce.

[62degVR6]

Re: Preferred Tire Size for a 17" Rim?

I run a 225 45R/17 Nokian hakipeletia (not sure how you spell) as my winter tires. with a Jetta VR6 and that takes care of me in the shittiest of conditions. (ie. Yellowknife NT winters) sure a smaller width tire may be better for acceleration but when braking I think wider would be better.

[Khyron]

Re: Preferred Tire Size for a 17" Rim?

Wider tires do slide, but I don't think it's that big a deal. As long as the rubber is quality and not old. Personally I have 15s (195 width) for the winter - rubber is cheaper too.

[Turkey]

Re: Preferred Tire Size for a 17" Rim?

I downsize to 15 inch steelies for the winter (195 I believe). It's like night and day from when I used to use 17 inch winters. I feel much safer. The grip is much better. I'd definately recommend it! A set of replicas would pretty up the look a bit but money was real tight when the ice hit last year and I NEEDED a new setup.

[Canadian Turbo]

Re: Preferred Tire Size for a 17" Rim?

You guys are forgetting Deuce is rocking an R32 so 15s or 16s will not clear the brakes.

I think my Dad rocked 225s on his TT in winter and with 4 motion you will love it!

[tirebob]

Re: Preferred Tire Size for a 17" Rim?

Narrower is better for snow. More pounds per square inch applied to the tread surface area gives you extra bite and the narrower tread surface also reduces the plowing effect. 205/50R17 is better for snow traction but 225/45R17 will retain the handling characteristics when the road are bare.

[Deuce]

Re: Preferred Tire Size for a 17" Rim?

Narrower is better for snow. More pounds per square inch applied to the tread surface area gives you extra bite and the narrower tread surface also reduces the plowing effect. 205/50R17 is better for snow traction but 225/45R17 will retain the handling characteristics when the road are bare.

Arrrrrgh... trade-offs, trade-offs. Sounds like the same thing between the Hankook i-Pike tires and the IceBears. I'm assuming the i-Pikes are the tires for the "extra bite" while the IceBears will be a "better handling" winter tire.

i-Pike:


IceBear W300:


What's a guy to do!

Perhaps 225/45R17 Hankook i-Pikes would be the obvious choice?

[eldo]

Re: Preferred Tire Size for a 17" Rim?

i ran the iPike last winter (and will run'em until they're done), and it was great. for the price, i think it's tough to beat. the 225 size on an R32 will be unstoppable in almost all conditions.

[Deuce]

Re: Preferred Tire Size for a 17" Rim?

i ran the iPike last winter (and will run'em until they're done), and it was great. for the price, i think it's tough to beat. the 225 size on an R32 will be unstoppable in almost all conditions.

Sweet...

Only problem is... now... comparing the prices... for an extra $200 or so... I can get 18's on winter alloys! Arrgh... vanity over utility... who will win!

[eldo]

Re: Preferred Tire Size for a 17" Rim?

the 17's will definately perform better than 18's...

[VeeDubArt]

Re: Preferred Tire Size for a 17" Rim?

i'm goin with 225/45/17 for my winter tire.

i'm considering Dunlop's Winter Sport 3D

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....1=yes&place=51