I'm trying to find a deal on snow tires for my Civic. Having a hard time finding 15" tires. A lot of 14 and 13's out there.

Will either fit and clear the brake caliper? Like a 185/65/14

obviously with a new, matching size rim. (steelie)

 

Tirerack.com

185/65/14 is the stock tire size, no reason why it wont clear.

 

My stock tire size is 185/65/15. Its an 01 Honda Civic with 15" rims.

 

you shouldnt have any issues with useing that tire size on your civic, winter tires are not wide anyway so you wont have an issues with rubbing. if your using your stock rims then it wont bother your calipers.

Im using 175/65/14's for my winter tires, got them off a Fit, the skinnier the better for snow.

 

I don't really get snow here so i apologize for what i'm about to ask, but why is skinnier the tire, the better for snow?

 

It cuts snow easier, the wider the tire the more surface area the tire has the higher the skid potential it has, therefore keeping the width small increases your traction.
If you dont get snow then you shouldnt be looking to buy snow tires, get a good threaded All season tire instead, Winter tires should only be used in areas where you get snow and freezeing temperatures regularly during the winter.

 

My only concern is that my brake caliper has enough room in a 14" tire. The 01 Civic did not come in a 14" rim, only 15"


I found two sellers cheap. My choices are: 185/65/14 or 185/60/15. Tires only, no rims. So I would need to buy steelies. Should I go for the 15" rim?
the 14" is Michelin X-ICE the 15" is General Altimax Artic. Any info on those?


Having a hard time finding cheap steelies now. :/

 

If you have stock 15s put them on there. I just ordered altimax's. I always used blizzacks but the altimax had a better review this year and is slightly cheaper.

 

I found a great deal on rims and tires, mounted and balanced. But they are 13" rims.. will that clear the caliper? 175/70R13

 

I have altimax i run on my Ef in the winter. absolutely amazing. it goes no matter what. best snows ive ever owned.

 

the 13" im looking at are Yokohama Guardex. I will be able to see them in person next tuesday and try em on. 8% off the speedo though

 

Here.

I've been running this product for over 10 years, very inexpensive; I swear by it.

It takes 1 minute per tire to install or uninstall.


This size is for 185/65-14, PLAY VIDEO.

http://www.amazon.com/Security-Compa...0958825&sr=8-1



Good luck.

 

cant run chains in IL. cant really go above 35mph. I was looking at chains myself, just to navigate the side streets but I would much rather have snow tires.

 

I just got General Arctic but don't have time to put them on.
They have great reviews and the thread pattern looks really snow aggressive thread.
I would not recommend to go on smaller than 14" rims.
Because if you go on 13s you have to change the tire size too, in order to keep the same wheel diameter.
Besides the diameter you have to look for the wheel width and offset to make sure they'll fit your car.

 

13's won't clear the front brakes, as far as factory Honda wheels go.

 

Found another seller, $200 for Yokohama Ice guard on a 14" rim. Although the tire seems to have a good overall score I am finding too many negative reviews. Anyone have personal experience with them?

Everything else either fell through, too expensive, or not responding to emails

 

14s should clear the 01 EX caliper just fine. They're the same size as DC integra/EM1 Si/96-00 EX brakes.

They're 10'' front rotors. The 01 civic did come with 14s, BTW. I think the DX came with 14s.

13s will not fit. 14 is as small as you can go. A good idea would be to look at the size of the spare. It's most likely a 14'' wheel.

 

Tire Rack Snow Tire Video, very informative.


"Winter Snow Tires vs All-Season Tires vs Summer Tires testing on Ice"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=L2wTg0l3_wI





Good luck.

 

Need opinions
I have two deals
1. General Altimax tires, correct size for my car, tires only, $200. Probably another $100 for rims and mounting.
2. Pacemark studded tires, mounted on 14" rims, also $200.

What is my best choice between these two?

 

Correct, the 01-05 DX & SE Models all came with 14" steelies w/hub caps.

 

What model are the Altimax?
If they are not General Altimax Arctic they are NOT winter tires!

As far as I know it is illegal to drive studded tires on the streets.
It is illegal even for Rally America drivers who compete at winter rally events.

 

It's legal to run studded tires here in WA between November 1st I believe, to April 1st. But with the studdless snow tires they have out today, I really don't see a need to run studded tires.

Can't wait to see what my little wagon will do with some skinny snow tires this winter. It'll run circles around my lifted Jeep on the street.

 

I don't know for WA, but for IL I think is illegal.

Also I attended Rally America - Sno* Drift and the rally cars were not allowed to run on studded tires, but that might be racing federation rules.

 

I found some Hankook iPike tires, they are studdable. Painted them French Lilac, should look good on a white car. cant wait for snow/cold weather now.

 

Look good. Actually the Hankooks have the same thread pattern like General Arctic for sum reason. I was looking pictures on the net.
Well the color would be good if it's a girls car. :-P