Snow tires? Where to buy cheap? What brand to choose?

S

sobi6111

Member
Location
Kazakstan, Aktau
Winter is coming soon. So i plan to use either 18" rims or 20" rims with snow tires.

So what tires to buy with 20"? Will 20" drive good in snow? Or better use 18"?

I remember i had BMW x5 2002 with 17" rims and goodyear snow tires studless and i drove 70mph where people were barely driving 25mph and i drove like it is dry outside ;:alien:

Any input is welcomed . Thanks :tongue (2):
 
I have had good luck with Blizzaks on my last few vehicles.
I run 20" rims in summer and put the 18s on for the winter.
The 18s will give you a tire with a taller sidewall that helps in the rough winter conditions .
 
I agree with Gee on the Blizzaks, I've also run Dunlop Winter Sports, and Michelin X-Ice (on different vehicles). You can't go wrong with any dedicated winter tires as far as traction goes. With 18" wheels, the biggest benefit (that I can see) would be the added comfort of having a taller wall. I can't see how the smaller wheel effects the snow traction tho. Also, expect to change your winter tires after two or three seasons. Once the tread gets half way, the winter tires are pretty much done. Be safe.
 
I'm looking to run winter tires on my stock 20s, they're being demoted ;) Looking for larger rims in the spring. Anyone run the 20s in the snow, if so what options are there other than blizzaks? Nothing against blizzaks just curious on options/opinions.
 
My FX45 came with Hankook Ventus All Season and my car did impressively well in all the snow we got in DC last winter. I have the stock 20 in, BTW.
 
I would have preferred the smaller wheels. The handling is great, but a softer ride would have been better. At least they look great.

I went with 21in Blizzak. They got one of the highest reviews by Consumer Reports. They still handle well, but the rubber is incredibly soft (which is good for winter). They have been excellent in winter conditions. They were expensive, and swapping wheels twice a year isn't convenient, but it means I'll have the most appropriate tires at all times. When they wear out, I might get smaller wheels, but they should last longer.
 
threezero said:
Anybody have any experience with hankook pikes?
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They rock. So do Blizzak's, but for my application (more highway driving), Ipikes are the way to go with higher speed rating.

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---------- Post added at 12:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:58 AM ----------

iPike's on my car:

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on my OEM 20's
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threezero said:
Sweet pic! How are they like in the dry?
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Awesome.

The tire compound is soft so has a lot of grip, but sidewalls are firm, so still great handling.

They are definitely louder, but that is to be expected with winter tires. Nothing annoying, but you can tell the difference from summer to winter tires.

They handle great in rain, dry, snow, ice is so-so. Blizzak's handled better in ice. When I say so-so, they are light years ahead of all-seasons/summer tires in terms of traction and driving confidence, but not as good as Blizzak's.
 
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