Hey guys i need your quick input. Im looking to get some inexpensive winter tires for my s type 2000 4.0. I have 17 inch rims for her and am goingto pick up some 16s for winter.

My question is. The stock 16 inch tire is a 225/55/16. But this is a tough size to find. The guy at bridgestone told me that a 215/60/16 would work just as well as a substitute for the 225. I was wondering what your guys opinion is on this. Would the 215 work fine? Thanks so much. I look forward to your input.

 

Yes, usually a more narrow tire is better, as it won't float over the snow.

 

Just make sure that the height of the tire does not change from your summer tires- this will avoid speedo errors.

 

interesting. didnt know 16s could fit on a s-type. so many cheap winter 16 in. tires for sale in my local classifieds.

 

16" wheels were standard equipment on S-Types, 17" were optional.

 

(Except on the STR lol - or any car with Brembos I think.)

 

My only thought on this is its rear wheel drive so when the snow and ice hits, if you can, don't drive it.

 

??? Why Mine is my main transportation during the long Canadian winter. It's one of the best winter cars I've had.

 

Aha. Someone with the "benefit" of practice in snow driving........

Here, the problem is everyone else

Lots of the people with 4x4 cars don't even know how to engage 4WD!

 

I'm from WI and I can tell you that most vehicles you find in the ditch are 4WD/AWD. It instills a false since of security because you can accelerate better. My advice is... spinning aint winning, it's just fun. This goes for racing and for driving on snow and ice.

4WD won’t stop you from going into a ditch, but it MIGHT help you get out of a ditch.

RWD is just fine as long as you TAKE YOUR TIME.

 

215 would work well, just as others indicated. I like Hankook Icebear W300's myself. Pretty reasonably priced, are not a super knobby winter tire so you still get a fairly smooth and quiet ride, and the compounds work very well on the ice. If your area tends to get a lot of snow and you often drive on unplowed roads however, you may want a tire with a bit more of a biting design and give up some ride and handling in exchange for traction.

 

215/60 will not work well as this diameter is bigger, and in the event of using snow chains, you're in trouble

Better go for 215/55-16 if you want to fit chains

215/60 is a 2% increase in circumverential size and a total hight of 654 mm's
215/55 is a 1,7% decrease and a total hight of 643 mm's

 

I am going to get some snow tires next year. I just got new tires so I am hoping they will work fine this winter. Just for the record, the most snow/ice related accidents I run on are pick up trucks.

 

Thanks all,

Jochem, the issue of using snow chains is not a problem. I do not believe we are able to use them in most locations. Although we are allowed to use studs in the tires.

The advice about driving is great. I am a pretty cautious driver and prefer not to drive when the weather is not up to par and the roads arent cleared, sanded, salted. Thanks