Suggestion for Winter Tire/Wheel Package

[LinksJD]

Hi All,

I need suggestions for a decent winter tire/wheel package for my 2006 Volvo S60 T5. I currently have OEM on 8x18" Eudora wheels and 235/40/ZR18 tyres.

Thanks!

[sony2000]

Do you want to go down to 17" or 16" rims? They are better than 18s".

[MadeInJapan]

For really decent deals on wheel and tire packages look at www.tirerack.com and type in your car. You can actually see these on your car! Prices are good too on wheels that are not OEM but still decent. Otherwise my suggestion is some good steel wheels with hubcaps if you're going to be doing a lot of snow driving.

[LinksJD]

MadeInJapan: Thanks for the advice. I did look at tirerack.com for some ideas. Was just curious on other people's opinions and past experience using winter tires on their S60s.

Sony2000: Why do you say 17"s are better than 18"s? Is it better performance? fuel economy?

Thanks all!

[sony2000]

LinksJD, the 235s are the worst in the snow (too wide), and in 18s they will put you in the poor house ($$$). What you have now is 25.5 inches in diameter. A package in 16 or 17 with the same diameter would work better, and cost less. You could have 215/45/18, 215/50/17, or even 225/55/16. Finding some used mags from a XC90 in 17s is where I would start. Am I answering your question? The narrower the tire the better the fuel economy and the better the traction in snow. Add studs for the best traction and least wear.

[sony2000]

PS. I'm coming to the conclusion that the best winter tire without studs, is an Ice tire. I'm comparing my Michelin X Ice to the Goodyear Ultra Grip I used last year. If a tire is Ice rated, its quieter on bare roads and the rubber freezes at an even lower temperature.

[LinksJD]

Sony2000: Your explanation and recommendations are spot on! It'll help before I start shopping for tire/wheel package.