Has anyone driven these in snow? I don't know what to expect this winter. The last car I had required two sets of tires. Will this one need two sets?

 

I am not sure about the tires in the snow because I just got my Maxima but how long to the stock tires last typically?

 

The treadwear is like the lowest you can get on the 17s, which means they wear out quicker. However, by rotating ever 4000 miles, my tires look good after 15,000 miles.

 

Indeed they are horrible. Buy a set from Snowtires.com. You will be happy you did.. That's what I have. Forgot what they were called but they cost like 500 bucks. Good investment.. Plus.. If you have alloy rims they will get eaten up in the winter... It will be worth the money to get the second set. Trust me. I put my tires on a week to early and had to drive in the snow.... It wasn't a good thing... get the tires

 

If you are talking about the stock 17" Potenzas, you can forget about their handling in poor weather. They are a decent tire when the conditions are dry, but they really suck even when the roads are just a little wet. I have driven with them in the snow a few times, and it has been an adventure to say the least. You can get through it, but it will take a lot of care with the stock tires.

 

That's comforting. When I do have to replace the stock tires on the 17's what is the best brand of tires to replace with with?

 

That's another dilemma. The stock size is 225/50/17. As it turns out, it is a rare size, and the selection is very slim. Not only that, but the ones that do come in that size are pretty expensive. However, several people have put 235/45/17 tires on the stock rims without a problem. The selection in this size is huge and is easy to get a great set of tires. Personally, I am probably going just get a new set of 17"x8" rims and put some 235/45/17 tires on there when the time comes to replace the stock tires.

 

I have been wondering the same thing. I bought my 2001 max toward the end of winter and it hasn't been driven with snow on the ground. Can anyone provide the name of either excellent all year round 17 inch tires, or good 16 inch snow tires as I have heard that 17 inch snow tires are unavailable.

 

I think you should go with 15" tires on steel rims if you are going to get separate tires for the winter. tirerack should give you the names of several good snow tires...

 

My opinion is that the stock tires a fine during the winter...not the best not the worst... I also don't drive with them on during the summer I only use them during the winter and abuse them. Before changing rims and tires to 19"s i had about 20k miles on the stocks and they were fine.

 

Hey max n out, I noticed that you have volk wheels. Would you know what internet site is out there that I can go to to view different volk wheels as I saw a set that I liked once, but am unable to find any sites. (tirerack and discounttire do not offer volk.

thanks.

 

volk is made by mackin industries there web site has everything they make under all there names ie tanabe, rays,wheelmate etc. anyway heres there site: http://www.mackinindustries.com/

 

I still don't get it. Why replace your tires with 235/45R17s when 245/45R17s are a better fit and will mount properly on 8" wide rims? Don't believe me? Do the calculations yourself:

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html.

 

I just used the 235 size as an example. When the time comes, I will consider the 245 size also. The only concern is that 245 may be a bit too wide and may rub when turning.

 

I don't think that should be a problem unless the additional rim width creates it. I know of at least one person who's running 245/45R17 Nitto 555's on his stock SE rims and he has no trouble with rubbing.

 

First of all it is suprsing how he got 245's on his stock 17" rim, cuz 235's are sometimes a problem, the only reason to be worry about is that the tires wouldn't pop out if you make a very hard turn cuz the rim is too thin to hold the tire of a 235 ones..

 

as far as winter snows go...Nokians rule!
Long life and dynamite traction. You will actually ENJOY winter driving. They stick like glue and will take on most SUV's from a green light, especially if like most SUV's, they'r running on all season tires.

www.nokiantires.com/indexen.html


select the Hakkapeliitta 1 site
hey...it's a little early to be thinking snow!!

 

Do you personally know of anyone that's happened to, 2001SE? Has anyone else ever seen that happen or know of anyone that's happened to?

 

i got 245/45/17 on my stock rims toyo proxes they run fine they rub a small bit on the right side but nothin major! it works fine i dont care what anyone says but if i die u know y!

 

Hey LeoB thanks for the info on these snow tires. Question though, can snow tires in general be used on dry roads, or should they be used strictly for snow and icy conditions because of the simulated studs like the nokians have?

 

..it depends on their speed ratings for one thing..I think the Hak's are rated for 180 kilometres/hour. Of course the cornering isnt as great as with a summer tire, and they say braking efficiency is reduced as well on dry roads, but I've never found the latter to be a problem under normal and spirited driving.

 

Since I come from a place where snow is like asphalt here – I have a question.
Why put wider wheels on your car if it snowing – you make it slide like it’s wearing skis. The narrower the better the traction is on the snow. And, of course, it depends on the driver, conditions, etc.

 

Hey Maxopka, so what tires are you using in winter driving conditions? I agree, narrower sounds like it should be better.