Going to smaller/harder tires for winter?
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On The Tree
Joined: Nov 2013
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Going to smaller/harder tires for winter? I DD a 2002 Camaro SS. Currently running Nitto 555s 275/40 17".
I have a set of pic related already mounted on another set or rims. Hard Pirellis 215/60 16".
I do 10/90 city/highway driving. Cruise at 80mph all the way to work and back.
Would going from a 285 summer tire to a 215 all season help or hurt me in wet or icy conditions?
I have a set of pic related already mounted on another set or rims. Hard Pirellis 215/60 16".
I do 10/90 city/highway driving. Cruise at 80mph all the way to work and back.
Would going from a 285 summer tire to a 215 all season help or hurt me in wet or icy conditions?
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,631
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From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
Skinny tires work better in the snow as the vehicle's weight is concentrated over a smaller contact patch, thus "cutting/digging" through the snow better.
I would say to skip the "all season" tires. These tires are not great at anything, they are built for compromise, so if you're going to have a second set of wheels specifically for winter tires, you're much better off with a true snow/ice tire. I can't stress enough how well my '02 Z28 did in Chicago winters with a set of 225/55/16 Blizzaks on 16x7.5" wheels. Heavy snow, packed snow, ice; city or expressway - never got stuck, never lost control or felt like the car could easily get away from me. I did also keep 100lbs of gravel in the trunk and kept the gas tank at 1/2 full or more.
I would say to skip the "all season" tires. These tires are not great at anything, they are built for compromise, so if you're going to have a second set of wheels specifically for winter tires, you're much better off with a true snow/ice tire. I can't stress enough how well my '02 Z28 did in Chicago winters with a set of 225/55/16 Blizzaks on 16x7.5" wheels. Heavy snow, packed snow, ice; city or expressway - never got stuck, never lost control or felt like the car could easily get away from me. I did also keep 100lbs of gravel in the trunk and kept the gas tank at 1/2 full or more.
Skinny tires work better in the snow as the vehicle's weight is concentrated over a smaller contact patch, thus "cutting/digging" through the snow better.
I would say to skip the "all season" tires. These tires are not great at anything, they are built for compromise, so if you're going to have a second set of wheels specifically for winter tires, you're much better off with a true snow/ice tire. I can't stress enough how well my '02 Z28 did in Chicago winters with a set of 225/55/16 Blizzaks on 16x7.5" wheels. Heavy snow, packed snow, ice; city or expressway - never got stuck, never lost control or felt like the car could easily get away from me. I did also keep 100lbs of gravel in the trunk and kept the gas tank at 1/2 full or more.
I would say to skip the "all season" tires. These tires are not great at anything, they are built for compromise, so if you're going to have a second set of wheels specifically for winter tires, you're much better off with a true snow/ice tire. I can't stress enough how well my '02 Z28 did in Chicago winters with a set of 225/55/16 Blizzaks on 16x7.5" wheels. Heavy snow, packed snow, ice; city or expressway - never got stuck, never lost control or felt like the car could easily get away from me. I did also keep 100lbs of gravel in the trunk and kept the gas tank at 1/2 full or more.
Good advice!
I, too, live in the "snow belt", and understand the value of a good set of dedicated snow tires.
I ran 215/60-16 hankook i*cept's on a 16x7 rim last year. My SS was unstoppable and predictable enough to have alot of controlled fun. Last year was probably one of worst winters since I was kid. I'm right in the lake effect snow band zone.
