Let's talk winter tires!

[Typical Tom]

I know we just got out of winter but I'd like to weigh/know my options come time (considering I just got the car) and figured I'd ask before I forgot.

I see there are 205/40/17 Blizzak WS80. I know those are fantastic winter tires. I was just wondering how much of a part sidewall height really plays when it comes to driving in snow. I like the stock wheels and would like to use them as a winter wheel (then buy a summer setup later), hence why I was wondering this.

I live in CT so winters can be decently brutal (not lately though).

I'd appreciate any insight, thanks!

 

[Typical Tom]

Please don't crucify me. I just saw that there's a winter tire thread pinned. I'll check it out and see if my question is mentioned.

But feel free to drop any knowledge here for me

 

[ridinVINTAGE]

For a winter setup I have always run a small and narrow wheel/tire combo. My current setup is 15x6 185/60/15 iirc.


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[neeqness]

For a winter setup I have always run a small and narrow wheel/tire combo. My current setup is 15x6 185/60/15 iirc.


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I know this is a winter tire thread but I'm curious what you use as a summer tire and/or wheel - in comparison to this.

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[ridinVINTAGE]

I know this is a winter tire thread but I'm curious what you use as a summer tire and/or wheel - in comparison to this.

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15x8 with a 205/50/15


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[Typical Tom]

If anybody has experience with the 205/40/17 Blizzak's or any other winter tire in that size please give it here!

 

[neeqness]

15x8 with a 205/50/15


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Thanks!

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[BRGT350]

If anybody has experience with the 205/40/17 Blizzak's or any other winter tire in that size please give it here!

Yes, I ran P205/40 17 Blizzaks for a few months when I had the Fiesta Movement ST. They worked pretty good, but not the direction I would suggest going with. There isn't enough sidewall to protect the wheel as potholes form during the winter. The width of the tire also spreads the load out over a larger area, which is the opposite direction you want to go with a winter tire. Also, the large diameter wheel was always packed with snow causing vibration.

Here is my guide to how to select winter tires for the Fiesta. This is based on over 20 years of winter driving in which 17 of which has been done with FWD cars on winter tires.

https://youtu.be/avwOcNXCXm0

 

[BobMaxed]

I agree with BRGT350. I can understand why you'd want to use the stock wheels for your winter tires but it isn't a good solution. Ultimately you'd probably want new wheels for your summer and winter tires. 15's or 16's. Your options are just too limited in regards to 17 inch winter tires. I just survived this last winter with 15 inch steel wheels and some older snow tires from my last car. The 15's worked fine so I'll keep them and get new snows for the next winter.