New tires for winter

[GeddyLee]

I am looking at new winter tires for my stock rims. I have settled on these from Tire Rack.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?ti...l=Blizzak+WS-60

My only question I have left is deciding between 225/60/16's or going a bit narrower say 215/60/16's. I have heard and read opinions varying on this subject which is best to truly help in Wintery type conditions. I have heard the narrower the tire, the better it is for slicing through the snow/water/slush as compared to a wider tire. But seeing the stock is only 225, will 215 make that much of a difference?

I checked on these tires through Consumer Reports and they rated them at a 68, just below the ContiWinterContact at 73 and the tops being Goodyear Eagle Ultra Grip coming in at 83. But looking at those tires vs cost I settled on the Bridgestones. Also in the report it shows a better overall tire for all conditions with above average Snow traction and Ice Breaking and the ride and noise too were above average as well.

Any opinions are most welcomed.

 

[DanGTP]

It looks like a pretty good tire. I say stick with the stock tire size. The 40mm of extra width isn't going to make a whole lot of difference in snow cutting from the 215's on an almost 2-ton car. Plus, when the roads are dry, you'll have that little bit of extra traction for turning and braking.

 

[Iron Indian]

I'd stick with the 225/60/16s if I were you man. Not only for looks, but i think it'll help you out more in the winter honestly.

My 93 GP came stock w/ 215/60/16s and I switched to 225/60/16s when I wore through that set, mostly for looks honestly. I used the same brand of tires too, Goodyear Eagle GAs. Anyhow, I actully noticed improved traction in the snow and ice verses the 215s honestly. I was surprised I noticed anything honestly. Wasn't much, but it seemed better. Theres my two cents.

BTW, off topic. You guys seeing snow/ice in STL yet or coming close?

 

[GeddyLee]

Well it was flurrying here when I headed over to PT's tonight. But nothing ever accumulated from it. Its 34 degrees right now so we will see I suppose

I wound up going with another tire after getting enough grief for considering a true snow tire in a place that seldom gets a great deal of snow. And after thinking about it, the people whom I spoke with locally said you can just get a good rated M+S tire and still be ok for Missouri's winter season's.

So I went with this tire instead.

General Altimax HP

Results based on 285 submissions of our online tire survey.

........98%.. 8.8.. 9.0.. 9.0.. 8.7.. 9.1.. 8.8 ..7.7.. 6.8.. 7.2.. 9.1 ..8.9.. 8.9.. 826,097

Would You Buy This Tire Again?
Most said: "Definitely" (Average of 8.8 out of 10)

How Did This Tire Rank In Its Category?
2 out of 17 tires (Score of 8.5 vs best tire in category score of 8.6)
Compare This Tire to Other Grand Touring All-Season Tires

Color Key

Superior (8.6-10)

Fair (2.6-4.5)

Excellent (6.6-8.5)

Unacceptable (0-2.5)

Good (4.6-6.5)

It rated good in light snow and ice. And even in deeper snow it rated good as well. And it saved me quite a bit over the other tires I originally looked at. I guess only time will tell