I am going to put some snow (yes winter driving) tires on my Fiero this Winter. I am looking for the same size 215/60/15 but was looking for input on going a bit thinner for more weight per area of tire for more traction. Thinking like 195 or 205 (yes I know to think about profile as well. Any thoughts on this?
Just looking for input!
[This message has been edited by kinboyatuwo (edited 10-14-2007).]
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10:45 PM
PFF
System Bot
Oct 15th, 2007
Firefighter Member
Posts: 1407 From: Southold, New York, USA Registered: Nov 2004
OK, I'm confused. I have a Prius also and in the winter I put wider tires on the car for better traction. I've always believed that wider tires are far more stable especially in bad weather. Ed
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02:41 PM
Rainman Member
Posts: 3877 From: Cincinnati, Ohio Registered: Jan 2003
Skinny for the traction in loose stuff (snow, mud) and wide for firm stuff (pavement,etc). Think the model-t would get stuck in 12" of snow? My cars, without snow tires, can have quite a problem with it. The difference is tire width.
Skinny in the snow will add straight line traction, but can affect directional traction, such as when turning, but ot always. I run 195 snows on my cars in the winter.
[This message has been edited by Rainman (edited 10-15-2007).]
A slightly narrower tire for winter is a good idea. I always perfer big nobby tires in winter, however, there have been some really good advancements in recent years.
Get some 14" rims and mount some 185s on there. Winterforce is good (I have them on the truck) and Blizzaks are very good (on the Fiero).
Tall and skinny... more ground clearance and better traction. Wide tires float on top of snow/slush (Think camel in the sand). With snowtires, you want to bite into the snow and get down to some traction, not float on top like everyone else.
J.
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02:49 PM
nmw75 Member
Posts: 1676 From: Mc Falls, Maine Registered: Mar 2007
As a general rule going one or two sizes narrower than stock is a good idea for a snow tire. Changing the profile to maintain the overall tire diameter to compensate for the change in width is a good idea as well. This will allow you to maintain your speedometer's accuracy. Check out the Tire Rack.com. You can find a wealth of information on their web site which should prove helpful. Good Luck
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08:24 PM
Doc John Member
Posts: 749 From: Fayetteville, Arkansas Registered: Feb 2007
Years ago I had four 195/70R14 studded Dunlops on my Fiero - really good snow traction, fair on ice (you could still spin it if you tried). IF they are legal where you drive, you might want to consider studded tires.
trhe more slashes in the tire the better. if it looks like someone went nuts and slashed the tire ever 1/4 an inch across the tread that is what you want. If you stick to roads you'll never be in the deep loose stuff that huge lugs are good for, most of the time you will need traction where the dummies with their bald tires turn the intersection to ice by sliding or spinning their tires, that is where a crapload of sipes on the tire help huge.
Look close at the tire image. a ton of little cuts. These are goodyear eagle ultra. With them I can go places 4wd SUV's have trouble. I've also climbed a steep hill covered in ice.
traction is 80% tires.
[This message has been edited by timgray (edited 10-15-2007).]
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09:48 PM
tayne Member
Posts: 124 From: Salt Lake City, UT USA Registered: Dec 2005
If all you want to do is go forward and don't care about steering, winter only in the back. If you want to steer and not care about being able to go forward, winter only in the front.
Pick one of the above or choose to do both and get all 4 tires. and no, putting good tires on the left side only will not work.
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08:01 AM
kinboyatuwo Member
Posts: 485 From: London, Ont. Canada Registered: Jun 2000
A slightly narrower tire for winter is a good idea. I always perfer big nobby tires in winter, however, there have been some really good advancements in recent years.
First off thanks all. That is about what I was thinking.
Second, Arn, Can't be there I have search and rescue training that weekend and there is no way out of it. I will see you in the spring for sure though! Chances are you will see my car around this winter though!