I've been looking at some snow tires on tirerack.com. I just wanted to see if anybody had any experience with differnet brands and or sizes. My OE tire size is 195/60/14 and was thinking about running a 185/65/14 snow tire. Good idea or bad idea?

Thanks
Aaron

 

What's your theory in running a narrower, skinny tire, I understand the side wall height, but not the skinnier tire. I would also like some good info on this as well.

 

Skinnier tire puts more pressure on that part of the contact patch to dig into the snow more.

I've used michelin alpines before.

Tom

 

Oh, I see, so a Wider surface area would suck.

 

Anybody else?

 

I have used the 185 size on my Teg for the past 2 winters here, they worked good for me. My dad also has a Teg and he used the 195 and when I drove his car I could not really feel much difference at all. Any pure snow tire will be way better than any all season tire, I highly recommend snow tires, it almost makes it fun to drive in the snow.

 

This is correct, however, there is another reason. Skinny tires for snow is that they "cut" through deep snow better. Wider tires just plow more snow infront of your car.

Those are the only 2 reasons I know of. I live in Canada and have been driving in snow for about 13 years, if you live in a place that gets snow, get snow tires!!!

That's my .02

 

I'm running the same tires that Tom has run, the Alpins and I really like them. I just bought a new set of steelies and I believe 185/60/15's for the Winter. If it snows where you live I'd definitely get some just to be safe...

 

i live in colorado and i use the standard size tire 205-50-15 but they are all season radials h rated and syphon cut form more edge contact they work just fine, as for now i am using kumho 711's h rated and tehy work just fine in the snow.