What are your comments? I am thinking of getting 15" steels with some michelins for winter. I just wanted to know how much different is the feel between two sizes. discountiredirect.com has 15" steelies for $45 a piece. I think I'll get those for all the trips to the mountines this winter.

Thanks

 

not much. mmake sure you get blizzaks or some other winter tread tire for the season.

 

I don't think is really an issue but make sure you can fit the 15s around the brake calipers. I have 16s for my winters and have no problem with clearance.

 

2000 max shouldn't have issue with 15", because GXE came with 15" steel. Also, I am thinking of Blizzaks Revo1 or Michelins X-Ice..

 

Anyone have any opinions about Hankook W404 winter.???

 

NOKIAN!!!!!!

Unfortunately the Hakka 1 isn't made anymore but the new W seems to look 90% the same.

Otherwise Blizzak WS-50 (snow tire, ice tires suck) do a great job. However, they wear fast, I got 2 good winters out of them and 1 so-so winter.

I run 205-65-15's.

 

You mean Hankook W's? or some other Ws.?
Also, how is handling on dry roads on 205/65-15? I assume you didn't have any problmes with wheel clearance from the break caliper.

Thanks

 

Nokian W's. I am not sure if they have made it to this side of the ocean yet.

No problems with clearance, though I did test fit the rim before they mounted the tires.

Dry road handling is OK, but I feel like a grandfather. there is A LOT more 'wiggle' to the car. But you get used to it. I find there is more 'wiggle' in the Hakka 1 than in the Blizzak WS-50, which I previously had on the Max. However, the Hakka 1 give better feedback are more predictable before letting go and more predictable once let go (you can control the slide better), than the WS-50s.

Here is a pic of the W:
http://www.nokiantyres.com/files/nkr..._tuote_iso.jpg

and the Hakka 1:
http://www.dias.net/~greerent/Nokian%20Picts/Hakka1.jpg

Note, I have not studded the tires. I don't like studded tires. If you do, you must (according to Nokian) stud them before running them.

Also note, for what it's worth, the Hakka 1 and the W(in 205-65-15) are both T rated, good for 190km/h (118mi/h).

 

I got a set of steel 15s with Michelin Arctic Ice on them 205/65R15 and love them. Will put them on in about 2 weeks in prep for the beautiful Canadian winters, can't wait (note the sarcasm in my words )

Tires are excellent, just that I don't like the winter driving that much... Good performance of the line due to good traction and light weight...

 

Did you get the rims from tires.com by any chance?

 

Not me. Got my rims from the local tire dealer.

I agree with igzy, acceleration is better with winters. It's amazing what happens when you lose 10-15 pounds per wheel!

 

I got my set used with 95% tread left locally...

 

So 15" rims fit a 2000-01 but would they fit a 2002-03?

 

I heard that they don't fit on front, cause of larger rotor. Might fit on back.

 

In 2002 the rotor went from 11 inch to 11.6 inch (or something like that.

A good rule-of-thumb would be to look at what the GXE with hubcaps has on it, in any given year.

 

I have got a set of 15" steelies off my 2001 GXE for sale. Let me know if you want them.

Email me at ywuwu@netscape.net

 

How much you want for them? Shipping from which state?

 

I am in So. CA Los Angeles area. It is best for you to pick up. Shipping is a pain with 4 heavy steel nuggets, costing $40-60 depending on destination.

$100 take all 4 with hup caps.

 

Sorry. Just find out you are in Boston area. Guess pick up is out of questions.

Let me know if you want them. I can get UPS ground shipping quote.

 

Dunlop WinterSport M3's rock....better than my all season Toyo Proxies do during the summer......