I live in PA and by the looks of it I think I am going to need winter tires cause its actually snowing this year. The previous owner of my car opted for 15x7 rims to replace the GXE hubs. I was wondering what size tire would fit on the rims. Right now there are 225/60/R15's on but i wouldnt consider the treads fit for snow by any means. I was having a horrible time with traction with only a slight covering of snow on the rds monday night. I've done searches and read that the skinnier the tire the better it is in snow. I don't know how skinny i could/should go with the rims. I also want H-rated tires. I've read nothing but praise about the Blizzak LM-22 and im also considering Pirelli Winter 210. Any size/tire suggestions guys? I want to order these by the weekend and get them on soon cause it seems like its snowing almost twice a week here now. Thanks.

 

i've got the Dunlop Graspic DS-1's 215/60QR15 mounted on the generic steelies that are 15x6. It snowed like mad here last night and they did real well. I wanted to go with the Blizzaks because of the praise you spoke of but the Dunlop's were more in my price range. Regardless if you get a dedicated snow tire it'll most likely be worth the money and better then your summer tire.
hope that helps some.

 

I'm happy with the Blizzaks although they're mounted on 16" steel rims. They weight a ton each! I'm going to transfer them to my SE rims later on when I need them.

 

I purchased a set of 205/65/15 Firestone Winterfires for the 6.5" wheels on the maxima.

These tires have DEEP tread, are fairly inexpensive, and do GREAT in the snow!

Here's the survey from people who have bought them from Tirerack...

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....del=WinterFire

Here are some reviews...

http://www.tirerack.com/survey/Surve...ommentStatus=P

These are great snow tires!

Good Luck!

 

I also have the Dunlop Graspic on 15" steelies (from Tire Rack). I think they work great, but I don't have any basis of comparison (haven't driven with blizzaks, etc). I have a feeling that no matter what you go with, you will be happy in the snow. I couldn't believe what a difference they made over the stock Goodyears, even when those were brand new.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

Eric
99SE 5 spd

 

werd. i have no comparison either besides to my normal summer tires.

i almost bought the Firestone winterfires, but useless paranoia kept me away from the Firestones

 

How good are snow tires when there is now snow on the ground? Are they loud? I need new tires for my winter rims('96 se rims) and I was debating on getting some winter tires.

 

Does anyone know the minimum width for tires on 15x7's tho? I've looked at all the suggestions. I decided that the Pirellis and the Blizzak LM-22 are too expensive for winter tires. The Dunlops, Winterfires, and Blizzak WS-15 and WS-50 are only Q-rated. So if i get a q-rated tire that means i have to keep it under 99 MPH all winter? I cant't find the Winterfire's in the size range i think i need either. But right now I really need to know what size tire will fit my rims. Once i know then i can go ahead and give more consideration into each tire. Thanks guys.

 

I'm looking at blizzak ws-50 now and want to know if it's a good winter tire. I won't have a problem keeping it under 99mph so that's not an issue.

Opinions on blizzak ws-50? Anyone?

 

What other widths tire fits 15x7 rims other than 225 (if possible)? Anyone please?

 

I have Blizzaks Ws 50 205/65/15 On my stock black rims and i'm in Montreal where it snows real hard. These tires own, i have tried other winter tires such as Toyo Observe G-02 and nothing can compare. The only downer is like most winter tires the thread is very very soft, so maybe 2-3winters TOPS you gotta replace em. Now My sister bough a set of 4 HaKaPalita Finland Tires which cost an arm and a leg and possibly part of the other leg, and i find my Blizzaks Perform just as well and are substancially cheaper. I have great traction in the snow, have no problem in the freezing rain and grip the ice fairly well. Hope this helps

 

my dunlop graspics are not loud at all. actually they're very comfortable. after driving around all summer with 18" wheels going to the 15" steelies gives lots of extra comfort. i wouldn't suggest making 100mph+ runs in snow tires that's just asking for trouble, but most people here with summer rims would enjoy them...like a winter vacation from high performance to luxury touring.

 

Right now it seems that these are my best choices to replace my 225/60/HR15 summer tires:


Tire: Bridgestone Blizzak WS-15 Size: 225/60/QR15 Cost: $73 per tire Concerns: handling, noise, tread wear

Tire: Bridgestone Blizzak WS-50 Size: 225/60/QR15 Cost: $87 per tire Concerns: handling, tread wear

Tire: Dunlop Graspic DS-1 Size: 215/60QR15 Cost: $63 per tire Concerns: handling, dry traction, will they fit 15x7's?

Tire: Firestone WinterFire Size: 215/65TR15 Cost: $61 per tire Concerns: will they fit 15x7's?


Right now I am torn between all four. Can anyone justify spending $14 more for the Ws-50's as opposed to the WS-15's? Also can anyone dispell any of the concerns for any of the tires? I am leaning towards one of the Blizzaks if the WinterFire's won't fit my rims. Thanks everyone.

 

I have the WS-15 ... the noise is better than my Potenza RE950's.
They are soft in the corners.
I don't know about wear. I have about 15K miles on them over 2 years and they look great.
No racing, no burn outs, just regular driving, mostly highway.

 

I would suggest the Michelin Arctic-Alpin. I'd probably go with a 205 or a 215, but check with the tire dealer to be sure. I've had both the Michelin Alpin and the Pirelli Winter 210 SnowSport both provide excellent traction. The Michelins are much quieter, smooth rolling and wear longer.

 

Get in touch w/ www.tirerack.com

Their reps are knowledgeable & work off a common fitment database for all vehicles/wheels/tires, so the information is 99.9% accurate. They will have the answers you seek.

I've bought several sets of tires from them & always had good experiences.

 

215/60/15 will be fine. It's what I've been using on my Enkei's for years.

 

tirerack reps are great people. they just have the hardest time giving me the right thread size lugnuts...

 

one word NOKIAN. made in finland. where there is real snow! my parents have a set of these on there vehicle. we have the NRW model. an all season that acts as if its a full fledged winter tire. seriously. get em out. www.nokian.com north american site