I was reading on tirerack that narrower is better in the snow, so I was wondering if I'd have any problems running 215/55/17 on the stock rims. Can someone explain what the difference is in running a slightly more narrow and taller tire than the stock 225/45/17 is?

Thanks!

 

With a tire that tall, you might run into problems with rubbing on the strut. If you can find one, you might get away with a 215/50-17

 

The big question is, how wide are your wheels? That's going to be the number one determining factor on how narrow a section width you can run.

'04-only STi: 7.5"
'05-'07 STI's: 8"

 

thanks guys. this was mainly due to ignorance. I was trying to get Dunlop WinterSport M3 tires (which aren't available in 225/45/17 on tirerack) but didn't know that the 3D are the replacements which are available in the car's stock tire size.