Hi everyone,

I've been searching and reading on the site to try and answer the question myself but the more I read the more confused I get (doesn't take much these days)

I'm looking to buy some winter tires (complete with steel rims) for my 97 Accord EX Sedan. Currently fitted are 195 60 15's all season. Tirerack recommends the OE size but also the 185 70 14's.

I was wondering which would be best for the weather conditions here in Montreal Canada?....lots of snow, freezing rain. Would the 185 70 14's be okay?

I'd appreciate any advice as we're due for some snow storms mid next week!!

Many thanks,
Abby

 

Either size will work. It's up to you. The differences in performance between the two sizes will be insignificant. Price differences may make one or the other size cheaper.

However, there's a major problem with the 185/70-14: the Tire Rack no longer has sets of "studless" winter tires (that's the kind you need to get). They only have studdable winter tires, which you don't want. So you don't really have a choice. Get the 15".

The best "studless" winter tires in 195/60-15 are the Michelin X-Ice Xi2 ($92/tire) and the Bridgestone Blizzak WS-60 ($80/tire). You can see how they compare here.