I'm about to enter my first winter with my WRX, and since I will be driving over & to mountain passes, I figure I need a set of winter tires to switch out with the stock Potenzas.

As I understand it, I have to stick with 17" wheels because of the brakes but beyond that I'm pretty much in the dark as to what I need. Tirerack recommends the Blizzak LM-22s with ASA wheels (17x7.5). What would be the effect of going with 17x8 wheels? I guess I'm not sure what the x7.5, x8 part means. Would I have to go with different tires with a 17x8?

Also, a fairly big consideration is, will I be able to put chains on with any of these options? I know it's 4wd and snowflake and all, but according to DOT websites, chains can still be required if conditions get bad enough.

Thanks for your help.

 

Hi,

I have the same question. I too plan on spending some time in the snow with my new 05 STi.
As well as a good set of snow tires that people would recommend I would like to know if
anyone found a good source of cheap(er) rims too. I would like to have a set for winter snow fun
and be able to just switch rims when summer comes.

 

OK...so the x7.5, x8 is the width of the rim in inches right? and the first number on tires is the width of the tire in mm? so how can a set of tires fit on both a 7.5 and an 8 inch wide rim? or am i missing something?

With a 17" inch rim and low profile 45 high tires, will I have any problems putting chains on?

 

Dunlop Wintersport M3's. I run M2's because M3's weren't available when I bought them but you can get the M3's V-rated. The M2's are as good as Re92's in the dry and awesome in the snow.