papashango

In the market for some winter tires for my 18" inch rims. What's the best brand to go with and stuff?

MikeTc63

I'm thinking about going with the hankook noble all season ? Any input from members?

Overspooled

I put on some goodyear ultra grip on it, 225-40-18, a little stretched for the stock 18in but i'd rather have a skinny tire for the winter. Worked very well and the car did pretty well in the snow. Never got stuck even in montreal snow storms. There are many different winter tires available, mine just happened to be a perfect fit from my old 335i. Good luck !

tabrak

Personally, I go with Nokians. I tested Dunlops and they were crap.
I heard someone liked Blizzaks too.

papashango

I guess I should be a little more specific in regards to my questions....

What size should I go with? 225 all around or standard 225 front and 255 back?

Any brands better than others in terms of actual winter performance and longevity?

I live in Alberta so the snow is insane, I am basically looking for the best possible option out there. Keep hearing about Blizzaks and had them on my 350Z but not sure about these cars.

Thanks for the help!

tabrak

I go with 235 all around on 18".
The rears are usually good for about 5 to 6k kms.

CarHopper

Blizzak ws70 was a hit for someone. Also, nokian hakkapolleitta (check the spelling) always lead the way for winter tires. I had them on my RS4 and the car was a BEAST. I know this car is different, but those tires when through a foot+ of snow in my Audi. It was a blast.

Long story short -- Blizzak or Hakka. Can't go wrong. 235's for size all around.

alexmtl

I had Blizzak ws70 on my 135i and they were excellent in the snow. I'd go for either 225 or 235 all around, you need skinny tires in the winter for better traction in the snow. And a square setup also gives you the benefit of switching front/rear tires every season.

chrisridebike8

My wife's challenger made it through 9 inches of snow with Blizzaks on there. They are insanely good.

zibby43

Bridgestone Blizzak LM-32 with either a square 225 or square 235 setup.

The LM-32s were some of the best, if not the best, winter tires I've ever used.

papashango

So Blizzak's seem to be the consensus. Like I said I had those on my 350Z and it was perfect until one time there was a foot of snow. The car didn't move in that. I am not sure what kind of Blizzak's they were but I will look into it. So 225 or 235 square set up....I'll probably go with whatever I can get for cheaper I guess if it doesn't make a difference in winter stability of the car.

CarHopper

^I'm in the same boat. Just looking for the cheapest, but not worst winter tires out there.

I'm thinking by the end of the day I'm going to spend ~$800 for a set mounted and balanced.

papashango

I remember the 18" Blizzak's on my 350Z were almost close to $1500 all said and done so I doubt I will get them for around $800 for this car. I don't mind paying as long as they are worth it I guess. I wasn't planning to drive the C in winter but since I have to, I might as well go with the best possible option.

CarHopper

I'll probably end up with one of these.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....80XL&tab=Sizes

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....32XL&tab=Sizes

coladin

Have had Blizzak LM32, LM60 right now and they are okay. Best winter tire I have had is the Michelin X-Ice.

papashango

What is the difference in Blizzak and Michelin? Why do you prefer them over Blizzaks? It snows a lot here so I want to get the best possible option. Not too concerned about the price as I don't want to risk driving the car if it's not safe.

papashango

The WS80 is around $1100 for me shipped to Canada and then I am guessing at least another $100 or so to have them mounted on the rims and installed.

And the LM32's are like $50 more.

I will call some local shops for quotes and see what I hear. May just do it online from tirerack if it's substantially cheaper.

CarHopper

^ Ah, sorry, didn't see you were up there.

coladin

I just find once the sticky stuff wears off it becomes an average winter tire. Michelin is consistently good.

chrisridebike8

Keep in mind the LM-32s are a winter tire, not a snow tire. They will be better than summer tires but in deep snow, they won't do as well as a dedicated snow tire. Winter tires will feel better under dry conditions though.

coladin

I think it may be a terminology thing but for us up here we have winter tires. I know some here say "snow" tires and talk about studs or chains, but those are illegal here.


They are a performance winter tire as the low profile dictates that there will be compromises. If we could put something with a higher profile it probably would help. I had the LM32s on my G37X and the LM60s and they are very good at first, but due to the high wear rate of the suspension setup, I just go with them anyways, as the Michelins, I think, are more expensive.

tabrak

Blizzaks wear and becomes normal winter tires. Michelins stay ok overall. Nokians are way better. This winter, I'll try the new hakkapeliitta r2 in the back.

black lavender

Are we already talking about snow and winter?

black lavender

I will be purchasing a set of Michelin X-Ice Xi3. Looks like this tire has the best reviews.

tabrak

here's something to read : Comparision of winter tires 2013 by some finn