TTBomB

iTrader: (2)

The factory size is 245/45 R18
Have any of you run 225/50 R18?
I ran a tire size calculator and they are very close in overall diameter.

I want to buy a dedicated snow tire and was thinking about dropping down in width

Looking for feedback good or bad.
Thanks!

warminwisc

thinner higher profile the better

Johnhav430

I run a 225/55-17 Xice Xi3 in the winter. Rims were cheaper, and no issues with the offset. They're loud and soft, but once there's snow, I'll be glad they're loud, soft, and SKINNY!!

If you are not looking to get additional rims, I would stick with the 245's. I know skinny is better, but I prefer to use the correct "exact" recommended size (unless the tire fitters list 225/50 18's as an alternate).... But if possible, do a -1 to 17's...

TTBomB

iTrader: (2)

Yes I am stuck with 18" rims.
I wasn't able to find any threads about people running that size so I figured I would post and maybe some would chime in.

forthewin

Hi,
I have MICHELIN X-ICE XI3 225-50R18 installed on my 2002 LS430 and have zero issues.
Using a thinner winter tire is beneficial.

TTBomB

iTrader: (2)

Those Michelins are on my list... how do you like them?
Would you recommend them.

forthewin

Yes, I am very happy with them. They provide excellent traction and are quiet for winter tires.

Johnhav430

I for one cannot comment on the traction since we only got 2 storms last year and they were fine in 4", but I find the Xice 3's to be really, really, noisy, to the point I thought maybe my rear diff was on its way out, and if not, maybe the tranny (whine totally speed related and loud when coming to a stop)...when I put my summer a/s back on I was relieved....I genuinely thought I don't remember this whine on my test drive, nor before the 4 snows, but I got my car in Oct. and the snows were on in dunno maybe 4 weeks, so most of my time early 2017 was on snows and I couldn't be sure they were the tires...

I googled and found a ton of negative reviews (positive too, but negative is not a one off), so unfortunately tires are subjective. If I could do it again I'd try Contis which are new, but I believe they are sold out, I simply prefer made in Germany or even Japan, not Thailand or Russia etc......it almost seems Blizzaks are the safe choice, no muss, no fuss. My other car has German Goodyear Ultragrips and they were fine in 9", not noisy like the Xice Xi3's....my .02

TTBomB

iTrader: (2)

I had Blizzak LM60s and they were very loud as well. It was so nice putting on my summers ;-)
I guess thats the trade-off once you go to a dedicated snow tire.

I am struggling with my next choice in winter tires.
I am looking for a tire that will be decent when its not snowing, etc.
But I want it to perform better than an all season in case I do have to drive in wintry conditions.
Here in New England, we could get snow all the time or like last winter where we only had a few storms.

Anyone have any experience with Nokian WR G3?
They are listed as an all season but are rated for Severe Winter Conditions and have the Winter Symbol embedded in them.

Thanks again

Johnhav430

these are what I would like to try, but too late. Again, made in Germany, whereas my Xi3's are made in Thailand (I would expect a lower price as a result). These are expensive due to the 18's, but I remember the 17's were quite competitively priced (I thought less than the Michelins)

edit now that reviews are in, these seem to be very noisy too hahahahahaha one person said like a jet taking off--exactly like the Xi3s. All roads seem to lead to Blizzak....

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Continental&tireModel=WinterContact+SI&sidewall=Blackwall&partnum=445VR8WCSIXL&tab=Specs

warminwisc

My xice3 are quiet plenty capable of a winter tire and they drive and steer nice being H rated. Mine have worn more in the center after 3 years, possibly just inflation issues. I am putting em on today will underinflate em to even out. I get up to the UP snowbelt and as long as I am not high centered they get me out of anything and totally safe with stab trac long wearing also. Blizzaks have heard a lot of good things about, I think of Conti as a ok tire. My Snow and Ice Pirellis on my Touareg SUV are bomber just a side note steer fantastic!

TTBomB

iTrader: (2)

Thanks guys I appreciate all the feedback.

Any Nokian users out there??

warminwisc

Hakkepellata? Peole rave about em

Johnhav430

I used the original studded Hakka 1's, then Hakka 10's with ecostuds, when I lived in VT, on my Volvo. Everybody did. You could always tell someone was from nyc or nj, they'd have Blizzaks. I remember my mom had Vredsteins. Snow was no joke in VT. Tires were for function, not show. I used chains as well cuz the more there was snow covering the roads, the more likely I was skiing at Killington and driving there...

warminwisc

Snow is no joke cause it gets so congested U don't want to be dead in the snow on a hill, on a shoulder with masses of cars depending on U to move! See it all the time at Squaw 2 hour drive to the hill if ya hit it wrong. Side note tossed on the Ice3 car is so much fun to let the rear go just enough not to let stab trac kick in but if it does u know ya aren't going into the ditch. Drive it in the snow have fun. Its 3 degrees this am, whole car stiffens up also so it handles so much better but yes its cold.