I am starting my search for new rims... and so far I REALLY like the Konig Tantrums. My problem is whether to get 17's or 18's. I live in IL, and I do not want to have to remove the 18's in the winter. Would I have problems with snow, ice, etc with 18's? What about with 17's? Obviously the 18's will look better, so if there isn't too much of a drivability difference, I will go with the 18's. Let me know, thanks!

Shawn

 

I lived in Seattle for 20 yaers before moving San Jose, CA and left my 18's on usually all winter (unless the tires were bald and couldn't afford to buy new one's right away). I drove carefully and noticed no driveability difference. I didn't drive much in the snow, I would let my 4x4 friends drive me around. Of course, you really don't wanna drive in the snow at all with low-profile tires and wide-*** rims. I can't see the difference being noticable in 18" low pros and 17" low pros. they are both going to drive like crap. So you might as well go with 18", and drive it as little as possible in the snow. With that said, you might as well go hella wide with tires like me 245/40/18, and make 5 Series BMW guys turn their head.
Gramdacious

 

If your keeping the same summer tires on it could be very bad. I would reccomend finding some all seasons at least to put on in the winter.

SuDZ

 

well either way if i get 17's or 18's... i will get all season tires and keep them on all the time

 

Do not use 18's in the winter.

Summer: 18x8 Konig Verdict 245/40/18 Dunlop SP9000s

Winter: 15X7 ATS CompLite 205/60/15 Dunlop Sport A2

 

in cali its 18s anytime

 

True, true.

 

If you get snow where you are & salt/sand is used for melting ice & providing traction, that can wear down the finish on you wheels. If your drive the highway a lot through that crap, you can end up "sandblasting" your wheels....of course bit of an exaggeration. Bottom line is salt/sand/pebbly bits that litter roads in winter is not fancy-rim friendly. In addition, if your roads are prone to getting potholes in the Spring, that's something else to worry about.

I'm in Toronto, Canada & pull my Enkei's off for the winter & use oem rims with winter tires. I envy the Cali-dudes.

 

So would getting 17's help this problem? There are stock 17's... like on the 2k+ max's... they seem to hold up well through the winter.. is there any difference with these rims and aftermarket? Does anyone know?

 

anyone?

 

People don't like to use expensive wheels in the winter (depending upon where you live of course) because the salt they lay down for snow will eat for wheel finish right up. If you do get 18", just keep your current wheels so you can swap them on when it snows. Otherwise any wheel you get will gradually get eaten by the salt.
-Cyrus

 

what about 17" though? is it not as big of a problem? 2k+ maxes and many other cars have stock 17's.... so what is the difference with those? my only concern is that i dont want to take off the 17's in winter and put on 15's... they look like garbage.

 

17" are just as vulnerable. Stock wheels are generally better made. However with time I'm sure somebody will notice the finish wearing. Most aftermarket wheels have very delicate paint which can chip and flake easier than OEM. They weren't meant to last the car's life like OEM are.
-Cyrus

 

So.... you IL folks..... what months do you keep your winter tires on? November - February? or do you just see when its getting colder out and when it is going to snow soon?

 

Here in Seattle, it only snows like once a year - It usually is only 2", and melts within a day. I can walk from where I am to work.

It does rain one hell of alot, however. (But the 72 degree and sunny summers make it worthwhile). Does all the rain cause rim problems?

Likely, my 18's are staying on.
I have Yokohama Paradas, and they rock in the rain.



IanS

 

In IL:

1. When there is 6-8 inches (sometimes 1 foot) of snow and -25 wind chill. No one will notice the difference between 15's and 18's.

2. When there is Slush and Puddles, no one will notice.

3. IL the roads get salted big time EVERY car that I have had has experienced Finish wear after the winter. Brand new cars..even after 1 winter the Hazing of the clearcoat is evident.

4. Save 100 bucks/month till after FEB = $500 more towards a sweet tire/wheel package. 17 HancookVentus/Tantrums or 18 Pole Position SO3/Volk. You will be a real player, not a pretender.

5. November to March is not long,...the 4th of July was like yesterday!