I've read the threads comparing a variety of different winter tires. I've narrowed it down to a few using previous experience and current reviews, but now I'm trying to figure out which size to get.

I plan on using the stock wheels as my winter set so I don't have to worry about brake clearance (or spending money on winter wheels that can go to a nice summer set). Should I go with the 235/40R18 or 245/40R18? In the snow, narrower is generally better, but TireRack lists 235 as the alternate size.

Any opinions?

 

That really isn't a huge difference. I bought a set of dedicated snow wheels and tires. Wheels are 18 X 9.5", an inch larger than stock. And my tires are 245 / 40 18, the same as stock. So you would be okay with either size.

 

I didn't figure it was going to be a big deal. A centimeter isn't a whole lot, and given that the narrower tires will actually do better in the snow AND cost about $90 less for the set, I think my decision is pretty much made for me.

 

I'm not convinced that the benefit of the slightly narrower tire in winter driving outweighs the benefit of greater rim protection with the wider tire.

 

since the winter for me here in jersey realistically is meaning cold, not really snow driving. I got my All season tires in 265-35 -18.
Because has a less grip then my summer so i did go wider
I do enjoy the silence of these tires, but boy there is a difference between them and the R888's

http://www.motortrend.com/features/1...son/index.html

 

As in curbing the wheels? That I'm not worried about, I take pretty good care of it. And if something crappy happens, it'll just be the winter wheels anyway, which get torn up with salt and gravel no matter what happens.

 

Just fitted 235/45/18 on my stock rims... Dunlop Wintersport 3D! So far so good...

 

How's everyone think there handling feels? Really? Compared to the ADVAN's?

I have 245/40/18, stock size yoko all-season, and just having the additional amount of rubber that can give makes the car feel (and do) like it's gonna slide a little around the curves. What does increasing the profile height do on top of that? How bad does it handle?

I don't want to give up all my handling fun. But I sure can't wait to put my summer tires back on. CAN-NOT WAIT!

 

Good to hear, I just ordered 235/40-18 Falken Ziex 512s on everyone's favorite auction site since the 245/40s were out of stock. Had a 10% off coupon too

 

I ended up just going with the M3s in the stock size as a compromise. I thought about the 3Ds, but couldn't decide whether to get the smaller 235s and deal with the consequences of non-stock diameters, or pay $90 more for the stock size.

The M3s were $44 cheaper than the 3Ds in the stock size and still valid for the $50 rebate, so I just went with those. I know the M3s do well here since I have them on my other car. I think it'll be fine.

 

^ how much did you end up paying? I found the Falken Ziex ZE 912 (heavier and the new replacement for the 512's) for a bit under $500 shipped

 

It was something like $780 after rebate ($50). Winter tires are going to be a lot more expensive than a set of all-seasons like the ZE 912s, but I figured if I'm going to have two sets anyway I might as well go specialized.

I suppose it depends a lot on how much snow you get, too, and we can get quite a bit.

 

I have 235/40R18 Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25 tires, and handling in the snow is amazing. Handling in the dry though, sucks. I had Michelin PA2's on my VIII and handling in the dry was fairly good. The Blizzaks feel spongy and the car wanders above 70mph. However, this is exactly what I expected. I needed excellent snow and ice performance.

Saying this, the Evo in my winter tires still handles better than any average car I have driven.

 

I got the 512s from Discount Tire Direct's eBay store for $480 shipped and I had a 10% off coupon from eBay so they came out to $432. They just raised the prices on all of their tires yesterday, I would have saved another $20 or so if I bought them a day earlier. Oh well.

As for the ziex 512 vs 912, I did a little research and all of the reviews basically said the same things. The 912 has softer sidewalls and worse handling, but is much quieter and provides a better ride. That's why I chose the 512 with stiffer sidewalls and better handling. I couldn't care less about road noise.

 

yeah i can't find the 512's anymore. I'm considering looking into Toyo all season