Just fitted a winter tire / wheel package from Tirerack. My 2006 LS430 normally rides on OEM 18 inch rims with Michelin Primacy tires. There is almost no road noise but I do not like the slightly harsh ride over broken pavement.
In selecting my winter tire / rims I decided to go with a 17 inch size to evaluate how much effect the taller tire profile would have on the ride. I selected Michelin Primacy Alpin PA3 winter tires to at least stay within the Michelin family and on the basis that these tires have good reviews for road noise comfort.
The results are that the ride is very much smoother and has reduced the specific harshness over broken pavement and expansion joints. The road noise is not bad but not silent like the regular Primacy tires. I expected this because the tread pattern on any winter tire will generate more noise than an all season.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....91&sortSize=17
In selecting my winter tire / rims I decided to go with a 17 inch size to evaluate how much effect the taller tire profile would have on the ride. I selected Michelin Primacy Alpin PA3 winter tires to at least stay within the Michelin family and on the basis that these tires have good reviews for road noise comfort.
The results are that the ride is very much smoother and has reduced the specific harshness over broken pavement and expansion joints. The road noise is not bad but not silent like the regular Primacy tires. I expected this because the tread pattern on any winter tire will generate more noise than an all season.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....91&sortSize=17
Lead Lap
How about pics of your wheels, too. I debated between the Xice-2 and Primacy Alpin, eventually relying on my past good experience with the Xice-2.
I promised to post pics of mine in another thread, so here are the stock summer 18" chrome (sorry, the only closeup is the wheel with the big scrape that is now my spare) and 01 painted 17" for winter.
I promised to post pics of mine in another thread, so here are the stock summer 18" chrome (sorry, the only closeup is the wheel with the big scrape that is now my spare) and 01 painted 17" for winter.
I went with these wheels.
Not the prettiest but functional for winter use.
http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/MiniW...dClar=&sw=1280
Not the prettiest but functional for winter use.
http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/MiniW...dClar=&sw=1280
Lead Lap
Good choice. Those were the ones I was going to choose if I couldn't find OEM wheels. The thin spokes should make them very easy to clean. The 7 small hand holes on the 17" 2001 OEM wheels I have will be a PITA to clean this winter.
Rookie
Caddyowner, What size are the winter tires you have mounted on the 17s. They look like a higher sidewall than the stock 225/55R17.
i feel sorry for you all that have a winter,i left maryland in 2004 and havent missed winter yet.
Lead Lap
An update on running the 17" Xice-2s. We have very windy conditions today and the car was wandering excessively with a front quarter crosswind. I wonder how the lateral forces and corrections will translate into lack of control when on slippery roads. It makes me rethink my plan to go to 17" wheels for summer use.