Winter Tire Help

[Koojo]

I currently have 195/65-15 on my car, and use those for the non winter season. I want to buy winter tires to fit the 15" rims that i have now. Can I get 195/50? or how about 205/55? Will wider tire give you more handling in the snow, or less since the tire will be more likely to roll over the snow rather then digging into it (or something like that). Someone please help me on what to do, thanks.

[dbsborg]

Hey Koojo, I was trolling through the threads and noticed the lonely 0 under replies!

Been driving in Maine for 46 winters. Tall and narrow gets you there safely. Wide tires spread out the load and float like a snowmobile. 195/50's are the same width as 195/65's just lower..I wouldn't do it.

I'd recommend sticking with the original tire size but get a good M+S rated tire if your're concerned about getting around. Have you seen the Nokian Hakkapelita H-rated M+S?? Very aggressive, but a little noisy. But, hey everything's a compromise right??

[dbsborg]

BTW, winter tires isn't really a "cosmetics" issue, is it???

[JTS]

I agree. Being a resident of the frozen north myself, I have learned the hard way that cosmetics shouldn't be an issue in the winter. Just go out and get 4 good winter tires (Blizzak or Hakkapelita etc.) and get 4 "cheap" wheels to mount them on. Save yourself a lot of aggravation and have peace of mind from November to April. Don't go for the wide/aggressive look in the winter - years ago, I had a 5.0L Mustang that I drove year 'round and I put on really good Goodyear M+S 225/60/15s for the winter. I still had to change my underwear every time I got caught in a snowfall!

[Koojo]

Ill probably just stick with the 195/65's like the stock. I just need to go out and find some good but cheap tires. I will only be driving them for 3 months a year, so its not like I need a super good tire. but its all good