Winter tire dilemma...

[chad413]

Relatively new .:R owner here, first time posting in here...

So I've started shopping for winter tires for the R and I've decided to go with a wheel and tire package from tire rack. I was looking at going with the recommended 205/50R17s. However, the tires I'd really like to get don't come in that size, nor do they come in the 225/45 size. The closest size they come in is 215/55R17. Now by my calculations the 205/50 comes out to a 25.1" diameter (the same as the factory size) and the 215/55 comes out to a 26.3" diameter. Would it be feasible to run the 215/55s? The difference in diameter is 1.2" so realistically it will only require 0.6" of additional space in the wheel well. I'm at stock height and looking at the clearance around the tire now, I don't see anywhere where that little bit of extra meat would interfere.

I'm aware that the taller tire will throw off my speedometer a little bit and that I'll have to compensate for that. Other than that, is there any problem going with the bigger size?

[Rmeitz167]

I ran 225/40/18 blizzacks and dunlop wintersport 3d's on 18x8.5 wheels 2 winters and the car was an absolute animal in the snow. Very comfortable and inspired alot of confidence. I didnt miss a storm in 2010, we went out playing around in parking lots in all of them

[speedbump2]

...is there any problem going with the bigger size?

Check the clearance between the top of the tire and the bottom of the spring perch on the front struts. If I remember correctly, there's not an awful lot of room there.

--Chuck--

[mrdon]

x2 on the Blizzaks

They have impressed me on 3 other vehicles. Just had a set put on the R yesterday (stock wheels).

[Airy32]

That size is just too big. Largest overall diameter that will fit is around 25.8". Anything more will make contact with the liner at full lock. I've tried numerous fitments and that's largest I've found that works. It's close enough (less than 5mm) that when gravel/debris gets stuck in the outer tread blocks it will scuff the liner.

[Yak Meat]

Id fine a 17inch rim that fits out brakes and get some blizzacks

[chad413]

Thanks for the advice guys. Guess I'll be sticking with the 205/50s. Being a little bit budget minded, I'm probably gonna go with the general altimax arctics. They're $33 cheaper per tire and get similar/slightly better ratings than the blizzaks. I really wanted to get firestone winterforces because I've had them on a few other vehicles and absolutely loved them... oh well, time to try something new

[Firewired1]

Nokian Hakka R

Love mine.

[chad413]

Nokian Hakka R

Love mine.

Anywhere to buy online? No dealers carry them around here

[mrdon]

Try?

http://www.tiresbyweb.com/p-8972-nok...a-r-tires.aspx

[Firewired1]

http://www.nokiantires.com/dealer-locator

[dubcc]

You'll be happy with those general tires. I have the same tires on a set of 17in wheels. Car was an animal in the snow

[Budgeezer]

Thanks for the advice guys. Guess I'll be sticking with the 205/50s. Being a little bit budget minded, I'm probably gonna go with the general altimax arctics. They're $33 cheaper per tire and get similar/slightly better ratings than the blizzaks. I really wanted to get firestone winterforces because I've had them on a few other vehicles and absolutely loved them... oh well, time to try something new

You will not be disappointed with the Generals!

[Firewired1]

True. Heard good things about the Generals too.

[chad413]

Im sure the nokians are awesome but 200 bucks a pop is a just a wee bit out of my price range