snow tire size?

[sourkraut007]

Hey Everyone,
Just picked up my new '13 wrx this past weekend. This is the first Subaru I have owned and so far I am really enjoying it (other than the 1,000 mile break in period). Got our first snow in Michigan and did not realize how terrible the performance tires would be - is there a big difference between 16" and 17" tires for winter driving? I am looking at purchasing a winter wheel/tire set and wanted to see if you all had some input as this was listed as an option for tire sizes.
Thanks and looking forward to being a part of this forum!

[rage-wrx]

Welcome to the forum.

Like you noticed,it would be a good idea to get winter tires ASAP. 16"s are significantly cheaper than 17"s. I run a 16" like most of us.

[Sheleileigh Law]

Yes, get 'em quick! I had a nasty experience driving in the freak October storm out east here with summer performance tyres! To be honest, I'm still a bit spooked snow driving in the car even though I have the new wheels - was a Jeep driver for 20 years. Welcome!

[EJ257]

As said, 16s are cheaper and can fit over your brakes. Personally, I'd go that route.

As for the tire size, I'm not exactly sure, but I want to say 215/55/16 is what you want to match OE size. Plug numbers into a tire calculator (link) to see which one's closest.

[wrx650]

I have 16" steel wheels with general altimax arctics. They were both pretty cheap on tire rack and I'm very happy with them. I run 205/55/16 (225/45/17 OEM), but people with the 11+ seem to run 215/55/16 like what EJ257 said.

[Stuk]

Running 215/55/16 on 05 WRX wheels.

[crash55]

Running 215/55/16 on 05 WRX wheels.

Same.

[sourkraut007]

thanks for the quick replies! I ordered up the 16" wheel & tire combo..getting installed tomorrow morning. Can't wait to see the difference!

[Scooby_newbie]

thanks for the quick replies! I ordered up the 16" wheel & tire combo..getting installed tomorrow morning. Can't wait to see the difference!

What tire did you choose? I don't see the generals in a 215/55/16 size option anywhere?

[sourkraut007]

What tire did you choose? I don't see the generals in a 215/55/16 size option anywhere?

I ended up going with the Firestone Winterforce - it is a 215/55/16. Seemed to be a good price and good tire.

[Scooby_newbie]

I ended up going with the Firestone Winterforce - it is a 215/55/16. Seemed to be a good price and good tire.

Ordered the same set-up two hours ago. Hopefully that tire does well in the snow for what it is.

[Sheleileigh Law]

Took car out in snow today after getting spooked in summer tyres during bad october storm - car is fabby in the snow with snow tyres!

[jsantos1082]

I just put these on yesterday just in time for the mini snow storm, they are pretty good IMO.

[Stuk]

^^ looks good ^^

[Scooby_newbie]

Blizzacks are beats. I had them.on my 2007 VW gti for winter and ha no problems at all. Short on money at the moment which is why I went with FIRESTONE and a set of steelies.