It's been a while since I've been up here. Got a few questions. I've recently relocated to Alaska and I'm desperately in need of some studded tires. I've had to let go of my beloved LS430 for this move and I refuse to let go of my 07 460L. Never dreaming I'd move to Alaska, I opted not to buy an AWD and since snow/ice generally stays on the ground thru April, I need studded tires. My next problem: no one here carries 235/50/18 studded tires, they are considered "special order" (unavailable). I'm wondering if I can go with a smaller tire? Maybe 225/45 or something more common. The tire retailers are adamant about staying with the stock size. Please help

 

Try tire-size-conversion.com. Enter your tire size and it'll convert similar sizes. With that said, here are some
215/55/18 are equal 27.3
225/50/18, -1.5% , 26.9
225/55/18, +1.5%, 27.7
225/45/18, -4.8%, 26

 

Maybe a 225/55x18. Narrower is better but I wouldn't go with narrower and smaller.

 

I think 215/55/18 would be perfect. You want a narrower tire when getting snow tires.

BTW, I heard they had to move the Iditarod due to lack of snow, maybe you won't need snow tires this year. Meanwhile in Mass. we're breaking snowfall records.

 

We ended up having the Iditarod after all, even with the lack of snow. I went with the 215/55 Hankook. I'm just gonna order an extra set of 18's and slap my summer tires on. Thanks for the help Guys

 

Good choice on the tires.

BTW, I think you need to update your location in your profile!