225/50/16 too wide for snow use?
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225/50/16 too wide for snow use?
I'm thinking I'm gonna get some BFG T/A KDWS for the Suby soon, but am seeing this as an opportunity to make the car look much better. I'm not sure whether or not to get the stock size, or go with the 225/50/16. These would be mounted on the stock rims and driven daily (what's really pushing this was the "fun" drive home on unplowed roads with 3"+) Just afraid that 225 may too wide of a tire for snow use. I'm sure someone here has done it, so how's it handle? Also, anyone got pics of the wider tires on the stock rim?
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 51
From: KY
Car Info: 2003 WRX Sedan
I have 225/50/16's on my stock rims, and I like them alot. they handle much better,steering has improved alot being that they are WR rated. Have'nt had any experience in the snow yet, probably will depend mostly on the tire.Check out the tirerack & look at there tire comparison page and it will give you a breakdown of the tire you choose in all situations wet, dry snow etc.
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 18,369
From: Reno, NV
Car Info: 1993/2000/2001 GF4 mostly red
If you intend to drive on these tires in the snow, definitely get 205s. Have you ever seen rally tires for snow? They look like they came off of a Volkswagen Beetle, and I don't mean the water cooled one. The narrower footprint helps the car cut through the snow and get to the pavement underneath. Wider tires are like snowshoes- they keep you up on top of it. Great for hiking, not so great for turning or stopping a 3000+ pound vehicle. Get some 225 or 235 summer tires on another set of wheels to handle the looks/ summer fun department.
Sure your car will look like 1905 Studebeker (sp?) but thats the way it is. 
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Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Washington State, Car: 2000 Impreza Coupe RS-T T
Car Info: 2000 Impreza Coupe RS-T Tec3/Vishnu turbo Color: B
And get at least 205-55 you will need the extra hieght in the sidewall for the bumps and ruts and a little added ground clearance.
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Extra height? It's like a 0.5mm difference (all things being equal) in overall diameter, so I don't think it's gonna help too much. 
Then again, every extra little bit of cushion does help when you bump stuff
Everyone is right though... It's just that the wheels look so underwhelming that I can't stand it. I knew that wider is not better, but was hoping that it'd still be better then what I got now.
Another tire I'm looking at is the ContiExtreme Contact. I wonder if Belle Tire will trade me tires (not trade, but trade in/give discount/feel pity/mistake this as some sort of gain on their part)?
Then again, every extra little bit of cushion does help when you bump stuff
Everyone is right though... It's just that the wheels look so underwhelming that I can't stand it. I knew that wider is not better, but was hoping that it'd still be better then what I got now.
Another tire I'm looking at is the ContiExtreme Contact. I wonder if Belle Tire will trade me tires (not trade, but trade in/give discount/feel pity/mistake this as some sort of gain on their part)?
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The problem is that I know I don't have the money to buy a separate set of rims for summer and have different wheels. Just trying to kill two birds with one stone. I've been checking the actual tread width of some tires, and they're a 1/2" wider even in the 205 size. That might be enough.
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 8
From: Calgary
Car Info: Blue 2003 WRX sedan
How about Nokian WR all season. They do come in 225/50 and are one of only a few all seasons to carry the winter tire designation as well. If you search here and on nasioc they have a good following. Perhaps this would give you the size and function you are looking for. Just an idea.
Mike
Mike
i have 225/50/16 contiextremes and they absolutely rock in the few snowstorms we've had so far. they give up a little dry grip though and are a little more prone to flex on turns but they can't be beat for daily driving.
thinner is only better in the rare occasion you drive on loose snow, so it will cut down to the solid ground underneath. on packed snow and ice a thicker tire is better for more surface area. i anticipate 99% of the winter time i am on freshly plowed or maybe icey roads so the wider tire is fine for me. even playing around drifting in parking lots after a fresh snowfall, these were much harder to break free than the stock re92's.
thinner is only better in the rare occasion you drive on loose snow, so it will cut down to the solid ground underneath. on packed snow and ice a thicker tire is better for more surface area. i anticipate 99% of the winter time i am on freshly plowed or maybe icey roads so the wider tire is fine for me. even playing around drifting in parking lots after a fresh snowfall, these were much harder to break free than the stock re92's.
sorry i meant compared to other all seasons and summer tires, not the re92's. i don't really flog my car so i can't tell you from experience (i have a hard time testing the limits of traction in anything i drive) but that's what i've read in other peoples reviews before i bought them.
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