Winter Tires 17"?

[Brightside]

Hi,

I bought a 2012 Genesis sedan 3.8 premium in the summer.

Now taking a look at winter tires and man are they expensive!

My current tires are 18". My question is, am I able to downsize to 17" winter tires and wheels? There is a considerable price difference at that size.

Also, any Canadians have recommendations as to where to buy winter tires? I'm currently looking at tirerack.com to either ship to the border or even across.

Thanks.

 

[Mark_888]

The Genesis base trim model has 17" wheels, so yes, you can use that size with winter tires so long as you get compatible rims (or get the 17" OEM rims).

 

[OneFunGenesis]

I used tire rack and got the blizzaks and 17" rims shipped to my door for 1200. I thought that was pretty good.

I priced out everywhere I could and NOWHERE was cheaper than tirerack. It might be different for you though, being in Americas Hat.

Also, this is a testament to their customer service. After mounting and balancing my tires on my wheels in the tirerack factory, they called me saying they scratched a wheel. Sent me pics, and gave me a choice. Source a new wheel, or take a $60 cash back discount. I picked to source a new wheel. Great bunch of guys there IMHO.

 

[geoffc]

Anyone try 17" on a R-Spec? Is there enough clearance for brake calipers on front wheels? Just looking at it, looks like rotors will clear, but not sure about the calipers. Assumed front brake calipers, along with rotor sizes are different on 5.0/R-Spec from V6 models?

 

[TEF]

Actually 17's are the cheapest option and one can save a little more by using 215/60-17 (vice 225/50-17) and get better results in deeper snow. If you check your owner's manual, there are two sizes of 17's recommended for the 3.8 and the taller "60 series" profile (narrower) works better in snow and costs less. Also, if you're putting snows on dedicated rims, skip the tire pressure monitors and you'll save even more.

I installed 215/60-17 Blizzak WS-60s about two years ago and the car handles fine in winter and I live in a snow belt. However, without snows on a Genesis, one might as well store the car, as it's useless on snow or ice with OEM all-seasons tires.

 

[scottdk]

Anyone try 17" on a R-Spec? Is there enough clearance for brake calipers on front wheels? Just looking at it, looks like rotors will clear, but not sure about the calipers. Assumed front brake calipers, along with rotor sizes are different on 5.0/R-Spec from V6 models?

Correct, the 3.8, 4.6, and 5.0 all have different caliper sizes.

 

[rickfen]

In Canada, Costco seems to have the best prices for brand name tires.