What's Your Experience with Winter Wheels/Tires ?

[throckalo]

My wife is a new 3.8 premium package owner. We are in Canada so I'm thinking about winter wheels/tires for her and have a few quick questions for those of you who drive in winter.

1. Has anyone replaced the 18" wheels with 17" wheels for winter use? If so what size tires did you put on the 17" inch wheels. Also, were there any problems with the wheels fitting the brakes or operation of the TPMS ?

2. What brands/models of tires have been great in winter and which have not been so great.

3. If you stayed with the 18" wheels what size of tire did you use ?

4. Did you have to put any extra weight in the trunk to preserve traction?

TIA

 

[dg_moore]

For me, all of this is TBD - I haven't experienced a winter yet, but I got a set of 18" wheels (Bremmer Kraft BR05) and had a set of Bridgestone Blizzak LM60's installed. From what I have read, this should provide excellent snow handling (I hope .). We'll see...

 

[wallymn]

My wife is a new 3.8 premium package owner. We are in Canada so I'm thinking about winter wheels/tires for her and have a few quick questions for those of you who drive in winter.

1. Has anyone replaced the 18" wheels with 17" wheels for winter use? If so what size tires did you put on the 17" inch wheels. Also, were there any problems with the wheels fitting the brakes or operation of the TPMS ?

2. What brands/models of tires have been great in winter and which have not been so great.

3. If you stayed with the 18" wheels what size of tire did you use ?

4. Did you have to put any extra weight in the trunk to preserve traction?

TIA

Yes I have , and many others... You will need to be careful that you get the correct offsets (search my posts for details)...

I ran without TPMS , there is a little warning light as a result..

I run blizzaks if you care more about traction get the WS series.. if you want to give up a little winter traction for dry performance get the LM series..

I run with 160 lbs of salt in the trunk... doubles as a traction source if needed.....

 

[Rey]

The best place I have found for reviews on tires is www.tirerack.com. Do read the reviews. I think you will conclude that there is no clear standout.
My personal preference is to use my OEM wheels and change tires rather than having dedicated winter wheels. Costco will change its purchased winter tires for only $10 a wheel.

 

[throckalo]

Thanks for the input.

I've decided to go with Hyundai 17" alloy wheels for the winter tires instead of the stock 18" wheels.

If anyone is interested, the tire size with the closest outside diameter to the original 235/50R18 tires turned out to be 215/60R17 - it is marginally larger by about 0.1 inches. Looking at brands now.

 

[mk1]

Need some suggestions guys.

I went to purhcase new 17" wheels/tires from Tire Rack but they have a very limited supply - only 6 styles of machined wheels. The sales rep I deal with there highly recommended against machined wheels as they are more succeptable to salt during winter driving if they get dinged.

Where else can I get a good deal on a 17" wheel/tire package that is spec'd for the Genesis?

 

[Gambler]

Some people got theirs from discount tire. However, they don't have the largest selection either.

 

[Cut-Throat]

Thanks for the input.

I've decided to go with Hyundai 17" alloy wheels for the winter tires instead of the stock 18" wheels.

If anyone is interested, the tire size with the closest outside diameter to the original 235/50R18 tires turned out to be 215/60R17 - it is marginally larger by about 0.1 inches. Looking at brands now.

What did you have to pay for the 17 inch wheels? What did they look like? Have a picture?

 

[throckalo]

I was able to negotiate an extra set of 17" Hyundai branded alloy wheels with the purchase of the vehicle.

Finally settled on Toyo Observe G-02 tires after some snooping around.