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whats better for winter, wide or thin?

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Old 11-02-2004, 02:07 AM
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Question whats better for winter, wide or thin?

i have custom 17s on my car right now and would like some thoughts on whats best for winter. I have my stock 15s that are obviously smaller and thinner with deeper tread. But i have been hearing that wider tread would be better for more traction but i don't know. thoughts please. both sets of tires are all seasonal.
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Old 11-02-2004, 02:31 AM
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wider is better for traction always
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Old 11-02-2004, 02:40 AM
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really? even if the tread isn't very deep? also why do i see alot of rally cars with thin tires when they race in the snow.
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Old 11-02-2004, 02:48 AM
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Originally Posted by Cyrus923
wider is better for traction always
Dead wrong. In snow, you want narrower tires to cut through to the pavement. The smaller contact patch means more pressure over each square inch to help cut through the snow. It also reduces the hydroplaning effect. This is why WRC cars run 15x5.5 wheels for snow stages.

For Subarus, stock tire size (205/55/R16 for Imprezas) is the best bet for winter tires. 215/45R17 is the best choice if you have brakes that require 17" wheels. If you can run 15" wheels, try to find a 195/65R15 or 205/60R15 snow tire.
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Old 11-02-2004, 03:41 AM
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Originally Posted by BAN SUVS
Dead wrong. In snow, you want narrower tires to cut through to the pavement. The smaller contact patch means more pressure over each square inch to help cut through the snow. It also reduces the hydroplaning effect. This is why WRC cars run 15x5.5 wheels for snow stages.

For Subarus, stock tire size (205/55/R16 for Imprezas) is the best bet for winter tires. 215/45R17 is the best choice if you have brakes that require 17" wheels. If you can run 15" wheels, try to find a 195/65R15 or 205/60R15 snow tire.
Agree Completely. Wide tires with deep tread are good for mud.
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Old 11-02-2004, 07:45 AM
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Originally Posted by wrx10404
Agree Completely. Wide tires with deep tread are good for mud.

wide tires are good for mud because you get some floatation out of them which is the exact opposite of what you want in snow
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Old 11-04-2004, 12:41 AM
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I'm driving everyday on winter conditions of Ice/Snow. Like several have already said, wider is NOT better on snow/Ice.

But a wide winter tire will still do better than a narrow summer tire.
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Old 11-08-2004, 08:28 AM
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Always narrow for winter . Also softer for low ambient temp.
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Old 11-09-2004, 01:11 PM
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Originally Posted by BAN SUVS
Dead wrong. In snow, you want narrower tires to cut through to the pavement. The smaller contact patch means more pressure over each square inch to help cut through the snow. It also reduces the hydroplaning effect. This is why WRC cars run 15x5.5 wheels for snow stages.

For Subarus, stock tire size (205/55/R16 for Imprezas) is the best bet for winter tires. 215/45R17 is the best choice if you have brakes that require 17" wheels. If you can run 15" wheels, try to find a 195/65R15 or 205/60R15 snow tire.

to the "T"
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Old 11-10-2004, 12:50 AM
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thanks

thank you all for helping me with this issue. i guess i have to make a trip to CJ tires.
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Old 11-11-2004, 12:06 AM
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interesting thread. sorry for the hijack but I have two sets of rims and I need to buy a set of tires (Pirelli Pzeo M+S) for winter now which should I buy tires for? My volk le28n 18x7.5 probably with tire sizes 225/40/18 or my volk gt-u's comming in soon with a size 245/45/17 tires?? Judging from this thread I should rather go with the 18' volks in 225/40/18 correct?? BUt I do prefer 17's for comfort so I need opinons (once again I appologize for this hijack)
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Old 11-11-2004, 12:25 AM
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If the 17s are too wide for 225s, then use the 18s for the snow tires. That will work better when you are actually in snow/slush/rain.
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Old 11-11-2004, 07:29 AM
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well I can only buy one set so its either 245/45/17 or 225/40/18. So I dont know which one to get
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Old 11-11-2004, 10:18 AM
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Do you drive up to Tahoe for ski season?
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