Convince me...185/60/15 or 195/60/15 winters

[compbcurrie]

So I've settled on the Nokian WR-G3 and picked up steelies w/TPMS for $200 off craigslist.

Are 195's worth it for the extra sidewall/better ride/wider contact patch or should I just stick with 185's?

 

[jdubs]

185 keeps the stock rolling diameter. Also the narrow footprint does better in snow/ice. I'd say ride quality is going to be more decided on the tire for the little amount that changes.

 

[Zissou]

I have some 195/60r15 Pirelli P4's as my winter tire on some steelies from an old Focus. I got I enjoy the extra cushioning, but I bought them essentially just because they were a really good deal on closeout; cheaper than the 185's I found. The difference in total diameter should theoretically only be 12 mm. I've had no problems with the 195/60's.

I don't have tpms sensors, but then again the wheels were free. I just suffer the warning light on long trips. The wheels were ugly so I plasti dipped them purple.

 

[Plainrt]

I'd do 185. I have 195 and thing rides like a boat. I hate feeling of snows lol

 

[M-Sport fan]

You need a snow/winter setup in southern Florida, or do you live somewhere else now, or travel far north, etc.?

 

[compbcurrie]

Moved to Philly over the summer.

 

[compbcurrie]

I think you sold me on the 185s. Thanks!

 

[M-Sport fan]

+1

IF I were to go for 15s as a winter setup, they would be either 185/60s or 195/55s.

 

[BRGT350]

narrow is better for winter. You get more pounds per square inch with a narrow tire, so you get better bite in the snow and ice. The force is more concentrated. A wider tire spreads the load out more and the car tends to "float" over the snow. Here is a great example, if you are standing on ice and it starts to crack, do you A) stand on one foot or B) lay down flat on the ice? B of course, you are spreading your weight over a larger area. When it comes to snow and ice traction for tires, you want the opposite; the most force concentrated in the smallest area. In the summer you want the widest tire and opposite for the winter.

 

[Plainrt]

Well said

 

[neeqness]

The wheels were ugly so I plasti dipped them purple.

I laughed out loud when I read this. What color is your car?

Nevermind, I saw it on your profile.

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[Zissou]

I laughed out loud when I read this. What color is your car?

Nevermind, I saw it on your profile.

Sent using Tapatalk

This is pre mods and window tint and when the purple was the brightest. It's dimmed down a little now entering its 3rd winter.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Joker328]

Well I just chuckled to myself when you first mentioned it, but I legit LOLed at the pictures. Do you have no shame, sir?!

But to OP's question, I run 195/55/R16 for winter and I think it's ideal for a winter where you don't get a ton of snow, but like to have peace of mind when you do get it. Not sure if 195/60 would be too soft, but it very well could be. If you get a lot of snow and occasional ice, then I would say 185/60 for the reasons Bryan noted.

 

[M-Sport fan]

This is pre mods and window tint and when the purple was the brightest. It's dimmed down a little now entering its 3rd winter.

I'll bet those lavender hoops go over REAL WELL with all them coal rollin' bro good ol' boys down thar!

 

[Zissou]

I'll bet those lavender hoops go over REAL WELL with all them coal rollin' bro good ol' boys down thar!

haha well Charlottesville is a college town and doesn't have as many of those coal rolling bros. Just fratty bros haha. But as soon as I get outside of town, yup - coal rolling bros.
I consider my wheels rather rebellious lol

 

[M-Sport fan]

haha well Charlottesville is a college town and doesn't have as many of those coal rolling bros. Just fratty bros haha. But as soon as I get outside of town, yup - coal rolling bros.
I consider my wheels rather rebellious lol

I forgot to say that it IS cool that you rebel like that, and have the 'cojones' to roll on those things!

 

[neeqness]

This is pre mods and window tint and when the purple was the brightest. It's dimmed down a little now entering its 3rd winter.

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Lol, I thought you were joking!

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