I was going to pick up some cheap 17" wheels that need tires. I live in the upper midwest and really need some all season tires. What is out there that is somewhat inexpensive, but still useful in the snow? Thanks in advance

 

What kind of car is this for (year, model, version)?

 

97 civic dx

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by rollback23 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">97 civic dx</TD></TR></TABLE>

The 17" size you'll need for that car is 205/40-17. The Kumho ASX is an excellent all-season and attractively priced too ($69/tire in 205/40-17 at the Tire Rack).

However, all-season tires are designed for people who have to use the same tires all year round, and are willing to sacrifice performance for the additional flexibility of using the same tires in all conditions. Since you're buying a second set of wheels for the car, and it's in Wisconsin, you would be better off getting true winter tires rather than all-season tires. Winter tires do better than all-seasons on snow and ice, and they also do better in extreme cold temperatures. You can then use summer tires the rest of the year on your other set of wheels. That way, you get the best performance all year round, with summer tires for the ~9 months with moderate to warm temperatures, and all-seasons for the frigid cold in winter. If you go this route, you're better off getting smaller wheels than 17" for your car (since winter tire availability in low-profile sizes is a problem); for example, with 15" wheels (even steelies are fine) you can get lots of winter tires in 195/55-15.

 

actually I will be driving it year round...I have a truck in case the snow is too deep. I made it around this last winter and my current 15" tires were almost bald.

I could go with a 195 also couldn't I

Thanks for the response and the help!!! I really appreciate it

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by rollback23 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">actually I will be driving it year round...I have a truck in case the snow is too deep.</TD></TR></TABLE>



<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by rollback23 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I could go with a 195 also couldn't I</TD></TR></TABLE>

No, because they don't make all-seasons in 195/40-17 or 195/45-17 (neither of which is a perfect fit anyway). Besides, 205/40-17 is perfect for your car, won't throw off the speedometer/odometer because it's the same outer diameter as your stock tire. And the ASX is a good buy in that size, too.

You could go with 195 if you had smaller wheels, such as 195/55-15 for 15" wheels.

 

Here in MI my ASX's work well in light to moderate snow. However the winter performance would be very noticeable between even the best 17" all season and the cheapest 15" winter tire. Now if you use your truck for heavy snow- that's great. But I think you'd be surprised with the performance of a 15" winter tire. The tread compound is very soft and with the additional siping, modern winter tires do extremely well even on a 2WD car. I've tested many tires, both summer and winter, and for the price and performance I would agree with NSXtasy that the Kumho ASX is an excellant value. (If interested: I do have a set of 195/55/15 Hankook 409 f/s cheap if interested, driven for one winter approx 5000 miles)