STS-4 "Winter tires " Canadian Winters

jhp · #1 (**permalink**) 10-29-06, 08:07 AM

Living in Toronto ..and winter around the corner ...I just leased an 06 - STS - V6 - AWD . As I will have to replace tires once during the lease I am considering getting 4 winter tires and rims ...which I could use for the next 3 winters .
Michelin X- ice don't come in the 235/50/17 ...
Bridgestone does have a similar tire
Looking for input from anyone who has driven a AWD last winter and what their recommendations would be .

Also ..has anyone put 4 winters on 4 new /cheaper rims ...

Thanks , look forward to input / feedback from others from the cold north.

c5 rv · #2 (**permalink**) 10-29-06, 08:54 AM

I put winter tires and rims on my CTS. I bought a set of Enkei alloy wheels along with Michelin Pilot Alpins from my local tire store - Belle Tire. Aside from not wanting to break the bank on the wheels, I wanted an open design for ease of cleaning. I bought a 5-spoke mag style with thin spokes I could easily clean between. I also made sure it was the smallest diameter wheel I could run (16" on the CTS) in order to maximize the sidewall height of the tire for smoothness and pothole protection.

Assuming I don't sell my AWD truck, I probably won't bother getting winter tires for my leased RWD SRX. I'll just drive it on nice days. I figure one set of new regular tires will be cheaper than a set of snow tires & wheels.

jhp · #3 (**permalink**) 12-03-06, 08:51 AM

After speaking with a Bridgestone guy , I decided to put 225/55/17 (4)Blizzaks on , as the mgr at the store told me (A) they will be better in snow with the higher , narrower profile (B) they were cheaper (C) they measure the same so won;t affect odomoter etc . My STS-4 has 235/50/17 Michelins . He convinced me to stay with orignal rims , (a) cost of RIMs (b) you get them balanced now twice a year (spring / fall) with the change .

c5 rv · #4 (**permalink**) 12-03-06, 09:29 AM

Does mounting / unmounting tires twice a year damage the tires and/or rims? Plus there's the issue of having to transport the tires to / from the tire store each time. Then again, I know some folks don't like to play amateur NASCAR pit crew in their driveway twice a year.